- Celebrations for the 10th anniversary of Woman and Man One in Christ Jesus
  which occurs next year. 
- Critical reflection of World Youth Day especially in relation to inclusive practices,
  language and the dignity of all human beings.
- A proposal to visit the Diocese of Darwin in 2009.

Here are some comments from the first Teleforum

I really enjoyed being part of the forum. It is particularly good to be able to interact with people who operate in such different environments all around Australia, but whose goals are the same. I found Sr Margaret’s talk both enriching and enlightening and it made some of our problems seem very small. I liked the format and hope that there will be many more such opportunities.

Thanks for your hard work. I know it takes quite a lot of organisation to make such an event possible.

The conversation that followed Margaret’s talk was most enlightening where participants had the opportunity to share their own experiences of success in promoting lay leadership. 

The basis for pastoral care is not so much a specific faith or religion, but an attitude to life and thus to other people. This attitude is exemplified in the life and work of Jesus. The basis for pastoral care is love.  Being a neighbour to others, who may be strangers is  a way of reaching out in love to care for others.  Neighbours may become friends.

To enhance the participation of women in the Church, the following suggestions arose from discussion at the meeting:

*	That  formation for leadership be offered  in diverse ways to all involved in Church ministry and also to empower other people to become involved in pastoral ministry
*	That  the Young Catholic Women’s Interfaith Fellowship be actively promoted
*	That all women who are engaged  in leadership positions e.g. Pastoral Associates, Parish Leaders be commissioned and acknowledged by an appropriate ceremony, liturgy or such ( this should also include catechists and those working in other programs)
*	That those of the group above receive a just and fair wage for their work
*	That a list of women working in leadership roles in each diocese be made, as a data base for the participation of women
*	That an informal network be established between those present to meet and share ideas.

Sr Margaret Cameron OP will begin the teleforum program with a presentation titled, An Experience of Empowering Lay Leadership in Parishes.

The second teleforum will be held on 16 October between 4pm and 5pm EST.  Trish Madigan OP will speak about what's happening in the area of Interfaith Relations.  Among many things, Trish has been an Australian delegate at the four intergovernment conferences titled, International Dialogue on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace and Harmony.

Download the flyer Teleforum: What's Happening in Interfaith Relations? 

You can register for the teleforum by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and request a registration form.  The cost for one line in the teleforum is $20.  We look forward to you being part of this program.