Reflections on the Melbourne Synod

At a recent meeting, the Lifelong Learning Committee considered how our parish might participate in the Melbourne Synod consultation, building on Cathy Jenkins’ presentation held on 16 July. Members shared a range of thoughtful observations, particularly around the tight submission timeline and the importance of allowing sufficient time for genuine listening and discernment. The Committee agreed that, rather than rushing to meet the August deadline, our parish should focus on a meaningful and prayerful process.

A key suggestion was to reflect first on what we have already learned and achieved through the Plenary Council and other parish consultations. This would help us recognise progress, avoid repeating previous work, and identify areas where further action is needed. A possible framework for this process is:

• Yesterday – Review
• Today – Prioritise
• Tomorrow – Plan
• Action – Identify

achievable priorities for the next one to three years.

Members also recognised that some parishioners may feel discouraged because they have participated in previous consultations without seeing obvious outcomes. It is therefore important to communicate the positive changes that have occurred and to renew hope and encourage participation.

We were also encouraged to begin developing the practice of “Conversation in the Spirit”, perhaps initially with our young adults, and then to share their experiences with the wider parish community.

You are warmly invited to read Fr Frank’s reflection on “Synodality”, which explains what synodality means and what it does not mean, and to share your own thoughts and responses with us.  The reflection is an extract from Fr Frank’s forthcoming book, which is still in draft form and has not yet been edited.  Download Synodality reflection…

We also invite you to reflect on the three key themes of the synod:

• Young Discipleship
• Missionary Leadership
• Formation and Participation

You may find the prompted reflection questions and resources on the Archdiocese website helpful.

You may also find it helpful to visit the Melbourne Synod 2026 page on the Parish website, where a variety of resources can also be found.