Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This weekend, Archbishop Peter Comesoli is convoking an Archdiocesan Synod. He opens the pastoral letter with a prayerful greeting and reflects on the recent journey of renewal within the Church. Catholics around the world have been invited to embrace a more synodal way of being Church. It is a path marked by listening, discernment, and shared participation in the Church’s life and mission. Many Catholics have already taken part in this process through consultations for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, and the Archdiocesan initiative Take the Way of the Gospel. Many faithful people have responded generously to the call to walk more closely with Christ and with one another.
From the earliest times of the Church, gatherings known as synods (from Greek synodos, meaning “journeying together”) have helped the community discern important questions in the light of God’s Word and attentive listening to the Holy Spirit. Synodality describes this shared journey of the whole People of God. It calls for patience, humility, trust in the guidance of the Spirit, and a listening to the Gospel, to the experiences of the community, and to the voice of the Spirit speaking through God’s people.
Among us there is a diversity of gifts and a strong desire for renewal. Many have expressed hopes for deeper communion, renewed missionary purpose, stronger formation in faith, and a Church where every person feels they truly belong.
For these reasons, the Archbishop is convoking a Synod. The Synod will help shape the Church’s evangelical and missionary priorities for the years ahead and will invite the whole community to listen to the Holy Spirit and discern how best to proclaim the Gospel in today’s world.
Parishes, ministries, and Catholic organisations are invited to participate through prayer, dialogue, and reflection, focusing on three themes: Young Discipleship, Missionary Leadership, and Formation and Participation.
The Archbishop is entrusting this journey to Mary, Mother of the Church, praying that the community may listen with faith, love generously, and follow Christ with renewed hope.
God bless you
Fr Silvio