The people of God in the Diocese of Parramatta are invited to contribute to the development of our ‘Diocesan Plan for a Synodal Church’.
Local faith communities are encouraged to engage in dialogue, offer valuable insights to the Plan’s development, and to continue nurturing leaders through synodal practices through a series of Think Tank Sessions, beginning on 1 May.
What is a Think Tank session?
Targeting local leaders, the sessions will gather feedback for implementing the Diocesan Plan and Synod resolutions locally.
Every local faith community is encouraged to coordinate their own local Think Tank session, guided by the draft of the Diocesan Plan.
This includes, but is not limited to, parishes, migrant chaplaincies, Catholic schools, ecclesial communities, Catholic agencies, and councils.
The Mission Enhancement Team will be available to provide training, resources, and support.
Who is invited to attend?
Pastoral Council members, Sacramental Coordinators, Youth Leaders, Ministry Teams, Prayer Group Leaders, clergy, and educational leaders.
However, sessions should be open to anyone interested in contributing.
We expect each session to attract between 15 to 30 participants.
Training on Facilitating a Local Think Tank Session
Each parish or local community is invited to send two people to a special Training session on ‘Facilitating a Local Think Tank Session’. There are four dates to choose from. Please select ONE of the following FOUR dates at the Bishop Bede Heather Centre, Blacktown:
- Monday 29 April 2024 from 9:30am to 11:30am
- Tuesday 30 April 2024 from 9:30am to 11:30am
- Thursday 2 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Friday 3 May 2024 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Please register to attend:
Diocesan Think Tank Sessions
Diocesan Think Tank sessions will supplement local sessions, focusing on one of the six Synod themes to ensure comprehensive community input.
Wednesday 1 May (6:30pm – 9pm)
Theme 1: An Inclusive and Welcoming Church
Our Lady, Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes
Wednesday 8 May (6:30pm – 9pm)
Theme 2: A Humble and Healing Church
Holy Family Parish, Mt Druitt
Wednesday 15 May (6:30pm – 9pm)
Theme 3: A Listening Church
St Michael’s Church, Baulkham Hills Parish
Wednesday 22 May (6:30pm – 9pm)
Theme 4: A Church Renewed in Spirit and Prayer
The Good Shepherd Parish, Plumpton
Wednesday 29 May (6:30pm – 9pm)
Theme 5: A Church that Reaches to the Margins
St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith
Wednesday 5 June (6:30pm – 9pm)
Theme 6: A Church Walking Together
St Oliver Plunkett Parish, Harris Park
