Emmanuel Community (Australia)

The Emmanuel Community is a lay-led Catholic mission community based in the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Australia. Founded with the mission to cultivate contagious followers of Jesus Christ, it aims to pave the way for the future Church by fostering vibrant faith lives among its members and encouraging active participation in missionary discipleship. The community welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to experience Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing personal prayer, community life, and outreach to others.

Origins and Mission

The Emmanuel Community arose as part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal movement, inspired by the spirit of renewal following the Second Vatican Council. It has grown into a significant force within Australian Catholicism, underpinned by values such as baptism in the Spirit, missionary zeal, dynamic worship, caring relationships, and embracing all generations. Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane has acknowledged the community’s role in demonstrating the ongoing fruits of Vatican II, calling it a beacon pointing towards the Church's future.

The community’s mission focuses on helping members thrive in their faith and live out their calling as missionary disciples, with an emphasis on outreach, worship, and service. It is lay-led, involving married, single, and consecrated members, as well as priests, all united in prayer, compassion, and evangelization efforts.

Activities and Ministries

The Emmanuel Community hosts a variety of spiritual and social activities designed to nurture faith and build community. Regular gatherings include weekly Sunday Mass, prayer groups, and worship sessions, often featuring vibrant music and song to celebrate and encounter God. They organize events such as the Ignite Conference, which focuses on youth engagement and spiritual renewal.

Ministries associated with the Emmanuel Community include:

• Emmanuel City Mission: A daytime sanctuary in Brisbane providing care and support for homeless and vulnerable people, creating a safe and welcoming environment to foster hope and healing.
• Ignite Youth: A ministry aimed at inspiring and empowering young people in their faith journey.
• Emmanuel Worship: A ministry dedicated to leading dynamic musical worship in the community.
• Collaboration with programs like NET Australia and Men Alive, which share the community’s commitment to new evangelization efforts.

Community Life and Spirituality

The community places a strong emphasis on living the gospel within the "domestic church," encouraging members to embody their faith in their everyday relationships, homes, and families. This foundation helps sustain their missionary work and enhances personal growth in faith. The community's spirituality is deeply rooted in the Catholic tradition while being energized by the Charismatic Renewal’s emphasis on the Holy Spirit.

Core Values

The Emmanuel Community is guided by several core values that shape its identity and mission:

• Catholic fidelity and adherence to Church teachings
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit as a source of spiritual vitality
• Missionary DNA, reflecting a commitment to spreading the Gospel
• A life of commitment to faith and community
• Dynamic and participatory worship experiences
• Cultivation of caring relationships within the community
• Inclusivity across all generations
• A prophetic voice in the Church and society

International Presence

While the Emmanuel Community in Australia is a vibrant local expression, it is part of a larger international network present in over 60 countries worldwide, originating from France. This global community brings together lay people and priests who gather in parishes, prayer groups, and events such as couples' retreats, all aiming to respond to contemporary needs through evangelization, adoration, and service.

The Emmanuel Community continues to be an influential presence within the Catholic Church in Australia, fostering a welcoming environment for spiritual growth and active discipleship, and contributing significantly to social outreach and evangelistic efforts.

ABN: 42725286045RR0001
Registered as a medium-sized charity in Australia, focusing on adults and vulnerable populations.

[1] https://www.emmanuelcommunity.com.au [2] https://www.emmanuelcommunity.com.au/about-us [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/6f59ce7b-39af-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [4] https://emmanuel.info/en/australia-emmanuel-community/ [5] https://emmanuelcitymission.com