New discernment process for Whānau Mercy Ministries

Developed over many months of listening, reflection and refinement, the process, titled Te Ara Whakatau Atawhai, brings together the richness of the Mercy charism, Catholic tradition, synodal practice, Catholic Social Teaching and the wisdom of te ao Māori into a practical framework for discerning faithfully together.

Rather than being simply a decision-making tool, Te Ara Whakatau Atawhai is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply to one another and to the Holy Spirit, and make decisions that are grounded in mission, shaped by compassion and attentive to the common good.

The document outlining the process stated that discernment ensures that mission remains the overriding concern in significant governance and strategic decisions. This way of discerning, together, is for significant governance, leadership or mission-impacting decisions, especially those involving purpose, people, place or long-term consequences, the document stated.

Not all decisions require discernment, it added. Depending on the context, this way of proceeding may apply when considering matters that involve: Strategic direction; Major property or capital decisions; Financial investments (including care of resources that sustain mission); Policy changes; Educational or healthcare priorities; Relationships with communities and whenua (land).

The process invites participants to ask: What is the right and faithful response in this moment, in service of mission?

The way of Mercy discernment begins with truth (pono), moves toward justice (tika), is shaped by compassion (aroha) and results in accountable action (whakatau). Discernment is not linear, the document proposes; earlier movements may be revisited as understanding deepens.

FULL STORY

Te Ara Whakatau Atawhai approved (Whānau Mercy Ministries)

Te Ara Whakatau Atawhai (Revised) (Whānau Mercy Ministries)