Vatican releases guidance for dioceses to begin synodal path

Local consultation set to commence for Synod

The Fifth Plenary Council of Australia has featured in the preparatory documents for the 2023 Synod of Bishops, which has the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission”.

On October 10, Pope Francis will launch the Synod process, with bishops to launch diocesan processes the following weekend. Local consultation, which will be shared with national bishops conferences and then regional conferences of bishops, will feed into a journey that culminates with an international gathering in Rome in October 2023.

A national committee has been formed in Australia to assist the local process, led by National Centre for Pastoral Research director Dr Trudy Dantis. The work undertaken for the Plenary Council will help inform the local consultations, which are expected to also feature a survey of Catholic individuals and groups.

Click here to read more about the work of the national committee.

Click here to access more information on the Synod of Bishops process.

From CathNews:

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -