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Synods seek to inspire missionary renewal and unity within the diocesan community. In this way they contribute to the shaping of the pastoral activities of the particular Church and lend continuity to its own liturgical, spiritual, and canonical traditions.
Diocesan Synods are important instruments of collaboration and discernment effecting conciliar renewal.
The work of the Synod is to:
The Diocesan Synod (2019-2021), to be held in three sessions, invites the People of God to carefully discern together what the Spirit is saying to the Church of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and to agree on common goals and actions for the coming years.
Session One – Celebration – 23 November 2019 (Relational Meetings and Listening Campaign)
We have entered into a synodal process in which we are being asked to ponder:
As disciples of Christ, what needs to happen in our hearts and in our minds and in our community for us to be a Christ-centred Church that is:
The second session of synod is open to both Delegates and Observers. The outcome of this Synod session will result in ‘Statements of Intent’ regarding desired outcomes emerging from information/data and documents gathered from the listening and dialogue phases of the Plenary Council and the first session of our diocesan synod.
At the third session of synod, there will be voting on a variety of ‘Proposals for Action’. These proposals, if adopted, then become recommendations to the Bishop for his consideration as possible actions appropriate to the needs of the Diocese.
The COVID situation and Bishop Bill’s continuing ill-health require a delay of Session Three, originally planned for 20 November 2021. This decision was taken after consultation with the Synod Working Party, the Council of Priests, and the Council for Mission.
For more information, please read Advice – Delay – Session Three – Diocesan Synod – 20 November 2021.
The following organising cycle or planning model will be used for our synodal process:
