The Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn was commenting yesterday on an ultimatum by Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby to St Mary's South Brisbane Parish that it would close if it did not change some of its practices.

Bishop Power said the parish was a haven to people who had been excluded from their own parishes Catholic and otherwise.

''At times there are a lot of people who can be disillusioned, and it is good if there is a place where they can feel at home.'' The parish has been taken to task by Archbishop Bathersby after complaints to the Vatican and subsequent pressure from it on the archbishop.

Concerns include blessing of homosexual relationships, women preaching homilies, and the priest, Father Peter Kennedy, not wearing prescribed vestments during mass. In 2004, claims that incorrect language was being used during baptism at St Mary's were upheld and hundreds of baptisms conducted there were ruled invalid by Archbishop Bathersby.

Yesterday, Bishop Power said canon law required homilies at mass must be preached by a deacon or priest.

''I have difficulty with that ruling, but that is how it is.'' He did not accept all goodness and knowledge resided in priests. Parishes such as StMary's pushed the Church ahead.

''I think the day will come when that sort of thing will happen.'' StMary's is one of Brisbane's most active Catholic parishes, with up to 700 people attending weekend services. Father Kennedy has led the parish for about 28 years.

Bishop Power described Archbishop Bathersby as Australia's most open and accommodating archbishop, who was committed to dialogue.

''I would have sympathy for a parish which is reaching out to gay people,'' Bishop Power said. ''So often they feel no one wants to know them. But a bishop has difficulty with those things. I recognise their desire to be part of the Church.

''I have a lot of sympathy and admiration for a parish like this. I know it is hard to find the middle ground.'' The Queensland bishops were generally open and accommodating and generally progressive in terms of the second Vatican council.

Archbishop Bathersby has outlined his concerns in a three-page letter to the parish.

''At the present time they're not in communion with the Church and they have to make that significant decision about it,'' he said.

More than 500 people attended a meeting on Saturday to consider the future of St Mary's. They agreed to establish groups to examine matters raised by Archbishop Bathersby.