Sr. Carmel Dwan rsm has been announced as the Project Officer for the Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane’s newly formed Office for the Participation of Women.
The Office’s establishment has been a long cherished goal of the Women’s Resource Advisory Committee and has had the strong support of Archbishop Bathersby since first being mooted in the “One Spirit, Many Voices” document in 2002.
Sr. Dwan said she was excited about the position, which she believed was a first in Australia.
“Having been with women at grass roots level for many years in Parishes, I know well their strengths and struggles, ” Sr Dwan said.
“I see enormous potential in the possibilities contained in “One Spirit, Many Voices”, a document that is inclusive of all women and that aims to engage them more fully in leadership roles within the Church.
“I know I will be inspired in this position by the charism of Catherine McAuley, whose vision and ministry was to enhance the dignity of women and children in society,” she said.
Archbishop Bathersby further underscored the importance to be attached to the new Office by naming it as part of his Synod Promulgations in 2003.
The Archbishop said he was delighted with the choice of Sr Dwan as the Project Officer.
“Engaging women more fully in leadership roles within the Church is a key part of enhancing the welcoming and inclusive aspect of our parishes,” Archbishop Bathersby said.
“The success of this plan requires a resourceful individual and one with more than a passing familiarity with the vision and priorities of the Archdiocese of Brisbane,”
“I am confident that Sr. Dwan, with all her knowledge and personal qualities, will succeed in making women’s presence felt at the different levels of Archdiocesan Life and Mission,” he said.
In addition to Sr. Dwan’s current membership on the Commission for Evangelisation and Pastoral Planning (CEPP), she has worked as a pastoral associate at Annerley / Ekibin, Surfers Paradise and Goodna parishes, as well as being the CLRIQ representative on the Pastoral Planning Committee prior to the establishment of the CEPP.
Sr Dwan commences her three year appointment at the end of May.
Released by the Catholic Communications Office