Melbourne Synod 2026
Archbishop Comensoli calls a Synod for the Church of Melbourne
Archbishop Comensoli has formally convoked a Synod for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. A synod is a gathering of God’s people, including bishops, priests and lay representatives to prayfully discern matters of faith, governance and pastoral care.
The Synod Assembly will be held from 4–6 December 2026. In the months ahead, Melbourne Catholics will be invited to take part in the consultation process leading up to the assembly.
Melbourne Synod with Cathy Jenkins
The Parish Lifelong Learning Coordination Group is hosting an evening with Cathy Jenkins, who will explore the Melbourne Synod and its key themes of young discipleship, missionary leadership and formation and participation. Cathy’s presentation will be held on Thursday, 16 July from 7.00 pm to 8.30 pm in the Gathering Space at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, Deepdene.
Cathy is the Synod Program Lead for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. She is also a parishioner of Our Lady of Pentecost and a regular contributor to our parish newsletter.
Themes for the Melbourne Synod
The Church of Melbourne is invited to discern on three key themes:
Young discipleship
Missionary leadership
Formation and participation
The Synod theme papers are an important part of our journey of listening and discernment as we prepare for the Melbourne Synod. The papers aim to foster a spirit of hope and imagination, trusting that, as we walk together, God is calling us into a future marked by faithfulness, renewal and deeper communion.
Read Discernment Theme Paper: Missionary Leadership
Synodality with Ormond Rush
Ormond Rush is a priest of the Townsville Diocese, with a doctorate in theology from the Gregorian University, Rome. In July 2021, he was appointed to the commission of theologians preparing for the 2023 Synod of Bishops in Rome on the theme of “synodality.” He was also appointed to the group of theological advisors for the Plenary Council in Australia in October 2021.
Watch Synodality with Orm Rush (Australian Catholic Bishops Conference)
New Synod Commission calls for prayers for missionary leaders
As the work towards the Archdiocese of Melbourne Synod continues, a new Synod Commission has been appointed.
Read New Synod Commission calls for prayers for missionary leaders by Cathy Jenkins