About St Catharine’s
Location: Caulfield, Melbourne | Context: Urban | Denomination: Anglican | Leadership: One senior leader plus ministry team |
From the street, St Catharine’s Anglican Church looks like a traditional stone church building, yet when you walk inside you see a blend of wooden pews, stained glass windows and stone baptismal fonts, as well as some very creative alternate worship spaces. Both the previous senior minister Rev Heather Cetrangolo and the current senior minister Rev Adam Cetrangolo, have been on a journey to curate a worship space that is inclusive; that caters for diversity; and connects into a network of artists and actors who call St Cath’s their spiritual home.
It’s a locally reaching church for those attending the traditional morning service, yet also has a regional reach throughout wider Melbourne, based on the friendship circles of artists and creatives who attend the alternate worship gatherings.
The history gives a little narrative to the journey from solely a traditional style to adding a more alternate worship option. As a small congregation within a parish, there was a moment of transition for St Catharine’s Caulfield, either to try re-launching into something new, or gracefully close the congregation.
The leaders designed a new expression of worship, to cater for the post-churched and to suit people new to church altogether. The 11am service looks different, sounds different, and is very different to the traditional 9.30am service. And it’s meant to be. They’re living out their vision: to reach a post-church generation with real encounters with God, through authentic people.
Through partnership with local schools and groups they connect with those around them. In fact the regular community dinners involve volunteers not only from the congregation but from the neighbourhood as well.
The reality of financial requirements doesn’t stop this group from stepping out in faith when they feel led to a particular ministry. Yet at the same time they’ve learnt the wisdom of seeking funding grants where possible to make community service projects possible.
Using skills beyond theological training is also evident in these leaders’ approach to ministry. Educational expertise has led them to cater for different learning styles in worship, so you’ll see activity tables for the kinaesthetic learners, art supplies for the visual, and coffee corners for those who prefer an auditory conversation. You’ll also hear the leadership team discussing how their strategies have been informed by a ‘resident’ marketing consultant about communication and cut through in this digital world. They’re using a wide range of gifts and skills to make things happen.
A willingness to try something new is also spoken about, as if it’s part of this church’s DNA. The minister’s T-shirt with the slogan “Get used to different” seems to sum up their spirit of innovation and inclusion quite well.
Stories from St Catharine’s Anglican Church
Browse through some of the stories and wisdom that leaders of St Cath’s shared with us, on how they enliven their ministry and church life.