Catholics across Australia participated in local consultation for the next international Synod of Bishops, which has the theme: "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission".
Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to reflect on this theme that is decisive for the Church’s life and mission:
"It is precisely this path of synodality (walking together) which God expects of the Church of the third millennium. Synodality starts with hearing from the whole People of God. A Church that teaches must be firstly a Church that listens."
This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s "renewal" proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through her experience which processes can help her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open herself to mission."
"This is what we are called to: unity, communion, and the fraternity born of the realisation that all of us are embraced by the one love of God. The Synod offers us the opportunity to become a listening Church and a Church of closeness." (Pope Francis)
On 16 October 2002, Pope Francis announced that the 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will take place in two sessions: the first from 4 to 29 October 2023; the second in October 2024. This extension of the synodal journey is meant to be an opportunity - as Pope Francis said - "to foster an understanding of synodality as a constitutive dimension of the Church, and to help everyone to live it in a journey of brothers and sisters who bear witness to the joy of the Gospel". You can learn more in the following article on ACBC Media Blog.
As part of the Diocesan Consultation phase, we were pleased to receive many submissions from individuals and groups in response to the Synod questions. Those submissions, together with the fruits of the Listening and Dialogue conversations as part of the Plenary Council journey, and the outcomes of the Diocesan Assembly in 2019 have found expression in the Diocesan Synthesis. People were grateful that their voices were heard. Encountering, listening and accompanying each other on our Christian journey is part of Pope Francis’ vision for a re-energised and synodal church.
This Synthesis has been submitted to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
People have had their voices heard. This is just part of the renewal envisioned by Pope Francis.
Visit the Synod Page at the Australian Catholic Bishops to view Australian syntheses. Or follow this link - Australian Synthesis. (pdf)
Visit the Synod Page at the Australian Catholic Bishops to view the syntheses from each Diocese in Australia.
Visit the Synod of Bishops to read about what is happening in the Church around the world.
..this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium..
"What would you say to Pope Francis about the church worldwide if you had the chance to talk to him?"
The discussion resources here may assist your parish in walking together as a more synodal church.
Suggested process for Parishes:
December 2021 – focus on Communion
January 2022 – focus on Participation
February 2022 – focus on Mission