In 2021, Pope Francis invited the whole Church to enter into a two-year process known as the Synod on Synodality. Join the Pastoral Formation Team in this Synodality video series, where they speak to people in Parramatta Diocese, from experts, leaders in parishes and Bishop Vincent, exploring what “synodality” is and the impact it has on life & faith.
Remembering that Scripture must aways be at the heart of the Synodal Journey, Bishop Vincent has given much thought, and in prayer has found the scripture passage that will guide us in this process.
On Friday 13 October, the Diocese of Parramatta kicked off its 2023 Diocesan Synod, a three-day gathering of over 280 delegates from across Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains and beyond to listen, discuss and pray about the future of the local Catholic Church under the theme “Behold I am doing a new thing” (Isaiah 43:19).
The Diocesan Synod is an invitation to all to journey or walk together and to reflect the true nature of the Church as People of God. It is a time for the diocese to listen to the Spirit and discern the way forward, reflecting on its past, looking to the future, and making plans for growth and development.
Learn more about the next stages following the Synod assembly by visiting parracatholic.org/synod2023
View images from the Synod by visiting www.flickr.com/photos/parracatholic/albums
The Diocese of Parramatta is set to celebrate another significant milestone in its young history – the beginning of the first-ever Diocesan Synod.
On Thursday 12 October 2023, hundreds of members of our faith communities in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains gathered at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, to celebrate this historic occasion with singing, dancing, prayer and witness during Catholic Youth Parramatta’s LIFTED Live in the Forecourt.
Normally celebrated around the Feast Day of Pope St John Paul II, patron saint of young people, this year’s LIFTED Live in the Forecourt invited young people to embrace the synodal journey the Diocese has been walking on for the past six months and to have their voices heard ahead of the three-day assembly this weekend.
This guide provides a framework for Spiritual Conversations, which are at the heart of our synodal process.
At the annual LIFTED Breakfast with the Bishop, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, joined with Year 12 student leaders of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Parramatta in spiritual conversations.
Each year, Bishop Vincent spends a morning with student leaders from the Catholic secondary schools in the Diocese, and this year pivoted to become one of the many listening consultations being held for the Diocesan Synod.
Friends in our Mountains Deanery gathered on Saturday evening 20 May for the Diocesan Synod Mountains Deanery Consultation with Bishop Vincent. After sharing a meal, we entered into prayer, reflection, and dialogue, listening to stories about the needs and hopes of our community.
We thank St Columba’s Catholic College, Springwood for hosting us and St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Community Springwood for welcoming us all.
Local communities have now confirmed details of their gatherings that they’ve organised in parishes, schools, and organisations If you’re locked in a time to discuss the future of our Diocese with your community, we want to hear from you. Email [email protected]
Remember, all submissions will help shape how we walk together beyond our Synod in 2023. For more: www.parracatholic.org/synod2023
Our Eastern Deanery gathered on Saturday evening 3 June Diocesan Synod Eastern Deanery Consultation with Bishop Vincent towards the Synod in October.
For more:
www.parracatholic.org/synod2023
Our Deanery Listening Consultations are just one way to participate in the journey towards the Synod. We can also participate through our everyday conversations!
Invite a friend or two for coffee, have dinner with your family, or meet with your sports or book club, and share about what makes your faith special and how we in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains can share the love of God with others in our parishes and wider community now and into the future.
The Diocesan Synod Northern Deanery Consultation on Saturday 13 May kicked off our eight-week journey through the Diocese with Bishop Vincent listening to the stories, needs, and hopes people have for the future of our local Church.
From now until July 31, we are inviting local communities to come together and enter into dialogue as we renew communion, participation, and mission here in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. The Synod will be foundational in shaping our new Diocesan Pastoral Plan.
Be part of this first-ever journey for our Diocese towards the Synod in October. Attend your local consultation, organise a listening with your parish or school, or meet up with a friend for coffee to discuss and make submissions.
Learn more here www.parracatholic.org/synod2023
Thank you to St John XXIII Catholic College and Saint John XXIII Catholic Parish for hosting the Northern Deanery!
“Tonight’s listening session was a very beautiful, reverent experience that I’ve never actually been a part of. It was refreshing.” – Sister M Rebecca Sampang
Our five Deanery Listening Consultations are now complete with our final consultation in the Western Deanery held on Saturday 24 June.
It is Bishop Vincent’s hope that those who’ve been part of these listening sessions will now go out to their local communities, parishes and even their families or households, to practice synodality – walking together and listening to one another, but above all to the Holy Spirit.
Resources to have a conversation about the future of our Church for families, parishes, schools or your workplace are available at parracatholic.org/synod2023
On Pentecost Sunday 2023, Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv. officially convoked the first ever Synod of the Diocese of Parramatta.
