In March the NCE gathered diocesan Directors for Evangelisation and Mission for networking and support. The 16 participants explored how synodality is being implemented in dioceses across Australia.

The conversation identified dioceses were at different stages of their synodal journeys. There were several dioceses in dialogue or preparation towards a diocesan assembly, and another group who have recently met and are now reflecting on implementation of outcomes. The final group were those who held assemblies several years ago or who have ongoing councils to listen and advise diocesan leadership. The open discussion among diocesan leaders was an honest exchange on the benefits and limitations of diocesan assemblies, and the opportunities and challenges of implementing decisions.

The following themes emerged through the discussion, despite each leader being in a different setting or different stage of the journey. The themes were being applied across the diversity of the Church in Australia whether thinking specifically about a diocesan gathering, local implementation or ongoing discernment.

With the Holy Spirit: no matter the type of gathering (process, length, one-off, ongoing, etc), each began with prayer and scripture or spiritual reflection. In some cases this was offered multiple times a day or in each session. Further, the process of spiritual conversations was used in most cases, allowing time for deep listening in light of the scriptures, personal experience and reflection.

Formation: A time of learning and growth, formation not only highlights the spiritual, but also the intellectual, human and pastoral experience of the Church and the People of God. Formation requires time, listening and dialogue. It builds understanding and capacity for discernment. As noted by one participant, “Formation, followed by information”.

Implementation: While listening and synthesising established decisions or outcomes for a diocese, the process of handing these back to local communities required just as much time, consideration and support. In light of local communities’ resources and vitality, what is the level of expectation associated with these new outcomes, and what support will be offered?

Two dioceses shared their responses:

Take the Way of the Gospel – Parish Resources Kit, Archdiocese of Melbourne (2024)

Come and See, Go and Make – a vision for parishes, Diocese of Wollongong (2023)

Synodality supports the Evangelising Mission: Synodality must continue to be part of our way of life, however it is not an end in itself. We must continue to listen to the Holy Spirit at work in all aspects of the Church and in the world, for the purpose of sharing the joy of the Gospel and making disciples.

Dialogue between diocesan Directors of Evangelisation allows learnings to be shared, and facilitates peer support with colleagues in unique roles around Australia. This flows onto the support of local communities. This networking and support is even more important now that Pope Francis has approved a three-year implementation period for applying the synod’s conclusions at all levels of the Church, with dioceses, bishops’ conferences and religious communities working to integrate synodality into daily Church life.

The NCE has been collating synodality learnings via interviews with local diocesan leaders on its Evangelise+ platform. ‘Developing a Synodal Culture’ is a video series which will be expanded through 2025.

Further resources:

General Synod on Synodality: Final Document of the XVI Assembly

Developing a Synodal Culture – Evangelise+ 

Image: Attendees at the 2024 Evangelise: A Synodal Way gathering in Sydney.

Words: Malcolm Hart