In May 2006, Bishop David announced his intention to introduce a program into the Diocese that would: enable women to participate more fully in the life and leadership of the Diocese; foster the ‘feminine genius’ (Pope John Paul II) so that the feminine dimension of the faith would be widely represented within the Diocese; and provide, within the Diocese, a new ministry for women based on a deep and personal commitment to jesus.  

On 31  March this year, the Broken Bay Diocese celebrated the inauguration of the Mary Star of the Sea Community  with the presentation of the Statutes and the admission of the first candidates;  Sue Beencke, Kathy Moran, Joan Pavitt and Elizabeth Wallace. 

Another eight single lay women are journeying with these four and meet monthly at the Bethany Centre for formation and discernment, as well as to support the inaugural members. 

Developing a Way of Life

Whilst still an evolving “way of life”, in this first twelve months, members of the Mary Star of the Sea Community will focus on two key features to lay the foundation for the community’s future within the Diocese  

Firstly, Formation – both within community and personal formation - through prayer, Lectio Divina, scripture study, reading of the spiritual classics and living in community. Lectio Divina will be a foundational element of the Mary Star of the Sea Community work within.  It will underpin all aspect of their life and work.

Pope Benedict XVI writes of the importance of Lectio Divina:

“in this connection, I would like especially to recall and to recommend the ancient tradition of lectio divina; the assiduous reading of Holy Scripture accompanied by prayer realises that intimate colloquy where, by reading we listen to God who speaks and, in prayer, we respond to Him with confident openness of heart (cf.DV25). This practice, if effectively promoted, will bring to the church—of this I am convinced—a new spiritual spring. As a firm point of biblical pastoral  ministry, lectio divina should for this reason be further encouraged, through the use, too, of new methods, carefully considered, that are fully up-to-date. We ought never to forget that the word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (cf.Ps 118/119:105).”  (Message to the participants of the international Dei Verbum Congress, 16 September 2005). 

The second key feature of the community will be the support its members will provide for Pastoral Ministry across the Diocese of Broken Bay. Members of the community will encourage of the practice of Lectio Divina within Parishes, reach out in a variety of ways to isaffected Catholics in the Diocesan community, and be a ministry resource working within the Parish Support Unit of the Diocese. Some key areas of ministry support will include: Stewardship, returning Catholics, loss and bereavement, Hospital chaplaincy, Liturgy, Seniors Ministry, Family ministry (especially sacramental) and Ecumenism. 

Vocational Opportunity

Bishop David Walker and the Mary Star of the Sea Community, extend a welcome to other single and married women, who are interested in finding out more about the Mary Star of the Sea Community, either full or part time.  

Mary Star of the Sea Community
Bethany Centre
39 Chiltern Parade
Warrawee NSW 2074 

Contact: Elizabeth Wallace
T: (02) 9489 3698
M: 0412 960 033
liz.wallace@dbb.org.au