Launching our Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church
The Diocesan Gathering is the official launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church. The pivotal event brings together key leaders from across our Diocese, including local leaders of parishes, schools, and agencies who will play crucial roles in championing and implementing our diocese’s plan.
Photo Gallery
Theme
Behold, I Am With You Always
(Matthew 28:20)
Date
Saturday 10 August 2024
Time
8:00am – 7:00pm
Venue
Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith
Program
| From 7:30 AM | Arrival and Registration |
| 8:40 AM | Opening Session |
| 9:05 AM | PLENARY 1 |
| 10:00 AM | Morning Tea (Expo Open) |
| 10:40 AM | PLENARY 2 |
| 11:40 AM | Lunch (Expo Open) |
| 12:45 PM | Synod Recap |
| 1:00PM | Launch of Our Pastoral Plan |
| 1:50 PM | Workshop 1 (choice available at registration) |
| 3:00 PM | Workshop 2 (choice available at registration) |
| 3:45 PM | Afternoon Tea (Expo Open) |
| 4:20 PM | PLENARY 3 |
| 5:05 PM | Closing Remarks |
| 5:15 PM | Delegates to make own travel arrangements to the church |
| 6:00 PM | Mass @ St Nicholas of Myra |
*Times subject to change (Updated 7 August)
Guest Speakers
Rev Dr Ormond Rush
Rev Dr Ormond Rush is a distinguished theologian and cleric, renowned for his contributions to contemporary theology and ecclesiology. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the Australian Catholic University, he is highly regarded for his expertise in the Second Vatican Council and its ongoing interpretation. His scholarly work includes numerous publications that explore the Council’s implications for the modern Church, making him a sought-after speaker and consultant in theological circles.
With a deep commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of the Church’s mission in the contemporary world, Dr Rush has played a pivotal role in various ecumenical and interfaith dialogues. His pastoral experience, combined with his academic rigour, enables him to bridge the gap between theology and practice effectively. Dr Rev Rush’s dedication to education and his insightful contributions continue to shape the discourse on the future of the Church and its role in a rapidly changing society.
Dr Myriam Wijlens
Dr Myriam Wijlens, an internationally recognised Dutch theologian and ecumenist, will be a keynote speaker at our Diocesan Gathering. She brings a wealth of experience as a consultor to the Synod and a member of its Coordinating Commission, offering unique insights into the practice of synodality within the global Catholic Church.
A canon lawyer with a deep commitment to addressing clerical sexual abuse, Dr Wijlens has been active since the 1980s, drafting guidelines for Canada and The Netherlands, and working on over 100 cases in Germany and Ireland. Appointed by Pope Francis to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in 2018, she has also published extensively on the subject. In February 2024, she made history as the first Catholic woman elected Vice Moderator of the Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches. Dr Wijlens’ work continues to focus on Church reform, ecclesiology, ecumenism, and canon law.
Workshops
Expanding the Capacity of Community: Harnessing the Gifts of Individuals for Mission
We often talk about the need for more volunteers within our local communities, but perhaps ‘volunteers’ no longer fits in the model of a synodal community.
How do we recognise the gifts, capacity, and availability of people within our communities as still having important value and contribution to the bigger picture? This workshop seeks to offer tools for identifying strengths, gifts, and charisms of individuals within our community.
Key Concepts in Adult Faith Formation and Education
Formation has been identified as a key desire and gap across all levels of our Diocese. While we may have ideas about programs and pathways for formation, an understanding of how adults learn, and best practices in education may be useful in discerning human centred approach to formation, as opposed to content centred. This workshop seeks to offer participants with contemporary findings and recommendations for designing adults faith education and formation.
Enhancing our Experience of Liturgy
For many of us, the Mass is not often explained or presented in an accessible way and while the structure may be familiar to many, the history and the meaning of the elements of Mass is lost in the rhythm of habit. This workshop seeks to equip participants with the understanding of the elements of Mass and tools for education and formation across all parts of our Diocese.
Project Management: Planning for Change
In our local communities, leadership teams are tasked with the development and the successful implementation of their strategic plans. Often the skills in project management are overlooked, in part due to process and practices being ‘handed over’ from one team to another. This workshop seeks to equip participants with key tools for project management, providing insights on considerations for planning, implementing, and evaluation.
Venue
Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith
Our Diocesan Gathering will be held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre. Conveniently situated within the Panthers precinct and next to the Pullman Sydney Penrith, this venue is ideally located in the heart of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The venue is easily accessible from the M4 and there is over 500 parking spaces for guests, underneath the Centre, outdoors, and in the multi-level parking complex.
Parking Map
- Parking is available at three locations marked in GREEN
a. Outdoor parking
b. Underground parking
c. Multi-level Panthers parking - Walk along the black lines to get to the Western Sydney Conference Centre
St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith
The Diocesan Gathering will conclude with a 6pm Vigil Mass at St Nicholas of Myra, Penrith, where we will join the local parish community.
Parking on-site is limited, but there is plenty of nearby parking within walking distance of the church (<300m). A sitemap will be provided closer to the date.
Parking Map
NO PARKING AVAILABLE IN CHURCH CARPARK
- Please arrive before 6pm at St Nicholas of Myra Church
- Parking is available on the streets marked with GREEN LINES
- High St
- Higgins St
- Lethbridge St
- Castlereagh St
- Walk along the black lines to get to the church
For enquiries, email [email protected]