ARCHDIOCESAN SYNOD 2026

Big news for Melbourne’s Catholic community!

Preparations are underway for the Archdiocesan Synod in 2026. This Synod will focus on three key themes:

Young discipleship

Missionary leadership

Formation and participation

In a letter addressed the faithful, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli called the Synod ‘an important moment in the life of our local Church,’ building on years of prayer, listening, and global synodal processes.

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25 August 2025

Our Lady of the Pines Parish, Donvale

DIOCESAN QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSE

– Website Submission re specific Diocesan questions

NOTE: The diocesan discernment process did not focus on these specific questions.

Responses to these questions have been derived from our notes of the discernment which should be read in conjunction with these responses.

Where do people in my community experience growth in faith and discipleship?

·        Formation and Participation are seen as central to the dignity and vocation of all the People of God

·        Why come to church? – Sacramental, Social, Community. Note importance of social and community in maintaining a sacramental focus.

·        There is hope for the future through Formation and Participation, in recognition of the dignity and vocation of all the People of God.-   # Continuing formation of mature Catholics to help develop understanding of the Church and the People of God in the world, to enable evangelisation. The archdiocese’s Alpha and the Bethany Way programs were mentioned positively.- 

·        RCIA has been supported strongly at OLOP with parishioner involvement in the formative process, to their own benefit as well as the candidates.

·        OLOP has conducted a monthly Children’s Liturgy program each Sunday for many years with strong support from parents

·        There was a common commitment to the need for prayer in our lives as children of God. Opportunities can be bult around the Sunday Mass. OLOP has a Rosary group meet before Sunday Mass.

What prevents people from participating more fully in the life and mission of the Church?

•        A central concern was a loss of trust in the leadership of the institutional church, and an inability to see a reflection of Jesus in the institutional church.

•        There is no apparent enthusiasm for a synodal culture of decision-making in the archdiocese of Melbourne. This lack of discussion and formation in synodality by the hierarchy has hindered effective synodal processes ,through unfamiliarity amongst priests and people with the concept.

•        A visible leadership role of the Archbishop was seen as currently inadequate with parishioners seeing a need for more visibility, commentary and guidance. The lack of leadership in promoting a culture of synodality is a major example.

•        The need to not treat LGBTIQA+ Catholics as different, but to accept God-given sexual diversity.

•        There was considerable concern regarding the apparently very conservative formation of young priests coming out of the seminary, seen as being too heavily influenced by strongly conservative forces and failing to support the Church’s synodal directions through the leadership of Pope Leo.

•        The Church’s treatment of remarried divorcees recognising their commitment to their faith.

•        Many Catholics are no longer inspired by the Church and are disillusioned.

•        The catastrophic failures in pastoral care, leadership, governance, strategic direction and church culture, are still with us. A clear illustration of this is in the recent Bird defence, whereby our Church (incredulously in the minds of many Catholics) went to the High Court of Australia stating our church could not be held responsible for the actions of certain priests, because they are not employees on the church – causing a further loss of trust in our leadership and the institutional church as the actions were seen as immoral and unethical.

•        A deep loss of trust in the leadership and the institutional church was identified, with an inability to see a reflection of Jesus in the institutional church, were seen as preventing people from participating more fully in the life and mission of the Church .

•        Other pressures include a lack of engagement in the life of the Church, and a growing gap between the lived reality of our people and their connection with their Church and local parish whereby their life commitments and pressures take priority.

•        Can a strong Christian community be sustained and further developed without addressing these issues discerned?

Which groups are currently underserved in faith formation?

Young people, parents and families, all adult Catholics

What forms of formation are most needed today?

•        Continuing formation of mature Catholics to help develop understanding of the Church and the People of God in the world, to enable evangelisation. The archdiocese’s Alpha and the Bethany Way programs were mentioned positively .(The Bethany Way was seen as a valuable archdiocesan initiative, but there has been no follow-up for participants and others, no tools, no structure to evangelise)

•        There was strong support for formation programs that have a strong focus on the two greatest commandments given by Jesus: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself. Jesus taught that all of God's laws and teachings rest on these two foundations. A focus on the teachings of Pope Leo who, following Pope Francis, is bringing Jesus back into central focus in our church particularly through ensuring a synodal inclusive approach to Church governance.

•        Despite the many years of synodal consultation throughout the Church, there has been limited commitment to the major teaching of Synodality and the formal adoption by Pope Francis and endorsement by Pope Leo of the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality.

•        Formation programs on governance and leadership should be developed for bishops and priests, and for seminary students. An understanding of good governance practices is essential in all organisations, and synodality is at the heart of good governance and leadership is a lifelong learned skill. Our bishops and priests hold an important leadership role in our church and in our community, but they have been given very limited formation in this central element of their role.

•        A major role of the archbishop is the continuing formation of the priests of the archdiocese who are central to pastoral care. That formation includes ensuring that priests are adequately knowledgeable about Church directions to guide their parishioners. The concept of synodality is a critical example where there has been little attempt to ensure understanding throughout the archdiocese.

•        Catholics also expect some source of information concerning our Church in the world, e.g. the recent excommunication of SSPX and the associated issues. Perhaps the archdiocese should reintroduce a regular hard-copy newsletter or, at the least, ensure that an electronic newsletter address issues of broader relevance to Catholics than is currently reported in Melbourne Catholic. The diocesan website is not an adequately accessible reference for most Catholics.

•        There is very limited understanding of the teachings of Vatican II regarding the Church as the People of God and the responsibilities of every Catholic for their Church. A good Catholic/Christian life is supported by continual learning with an open mind able to contribute to the sense of faith of the faithful.

•        Catholics generally receive little in the way of continuing formation in their faith, often perceiving the faith in terms of black and white reflecting a rigid understanding of the Catechism. As one participant commented: “We are called to love, not to judge!” We need liturgy and governance that encourages the development and sharing of our faith.

What three priorities could the Archdiocese pursue over the next five years?

1)     Provide a focus for our diocesan and parish leaders on the teachings of Pope Leo who is, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, bringing Jesus back into central focus in our church.

2)     Establish an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council to act as a consultative body advising our Archbishop on pastoral works, sets evangelisation priorities, and fosters co-responsibility among clergy, religious, and laity, operating under Canon Law 511 to study, weigh, and propose practical conclusions on matters of pastoral ministry. Such an Archdiocesan Pastoral Council should be comprised of people who will bring independent judgement from both genders, a diverse range of academic skills and practical real world experience, and a high level experience in governance from large, complex organisations.

3)      Introduce a formation program for bishops, priests and students in the seminary on governance and leadership, particularly in parish and diocesan life, stressing the importance of synodality in the context of inclusion, accountability and transparency. Our bishops and priests hold an important leadership role in our church and in our community, but they have been given no proper education in these important elements of their role. 

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Questionnaire for a Synodal Parish

(Posted Monday 13 July 2026)

“All together, following Christ”

INTRODUCTION

"The parish is the community of faithful that realizes the mystery of the Church in a visible, immediate, and daily form. The parish is the place where one learns to live as disciples of the Lord within a network of fraternal relations in which one experiences communion in the diversity of vocations and generations, charisms, ministries, and skills, forming a concrete community that lives its mission and service in solidarity, in the harmony of each member’s

specific contribution."1

How are we living synodality in our parish today? The objective of this proposed questionnaire is to help you discern this subject together. A synodality to be lived together, each according to their gifts, talents, and availability. Together, because the body needs all its members to function well. Together, because each of us is unique in God's eyes, and this uniqueness is a wealth for others. Together, because the call to mission concerns us all. Together, we can serve a greater number and mobilize for more causes. Together, our vigilance will be higher, and we will be better able to prevent drifts and abuses. Together, we will be stronger and can truly radiate the breath of the Spirit.

We invite you to experience this questionnaire as a team, with a representation that is as wide as possible (priests, engaged laity, people of different sensibilities and ages). It can be valuable to start with a time of prayer to listen together to what the Spirit wants for your community. Take the time to answer the questions with simplicity and truth, without judging yourselves, but seeking to discern.

The objective is not to get a "good grade," but to reveal points of support and calls to progress. At the end of this review, choose together two or three concrete projects to implement during the year, so that synodality becomes an ever more living reality in your parish.

Theme 1: Status of the Current Situation

How are our reflections and proposals constructed?

"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the good of all." (1 Cor 12:7)

Synodality begins with an attitude of listening: listening to the Holy Spirit, listening to the Word of God, and listening to one another. The Final Document of the Synod recalls that ecclesial discernment is not an organizational technique, but a spiritual practice lived in faith. Examining our spaces for dialogue and our ways of reflecting together allows us to see whether we are

truly walking together, in trust and co-responsibility. It is about considering whether our practices already manifest a Church that listens before deciding.

• What are the regular consultation places that can help us discern?

-         (e.g., Pastoral Council, Economic Council, Parish Animation Team).

• How do these consultation place’s function?

-         What is the frequency of meetings?

-         How are members appointed: consultation, decision by the priest, or vote?

-         Does it happen that the priest accepts a decision made by the body that goes

against his initial opinion?

• How do we let the Holy Spirit inspire us and tell us what He expects?

• How do we discern as a community?

• Are our meetings systematically preceded by a time of prayer?

• With whom do we reflect? Do we sometimes call upon external experts or

animation specialist?

Theme 2: At the Heart of Our Decisions

Decisions and Implementation

"If only all the LORD'S people were prophets on whom the LORD would put his Spirit!" (Num 11:29)

Synodality implies a conversion in decision-making processes. The Synod emphasizes that fostering the widest possible participation of the People of God is a concrete way of promoting a more missionary and more fraternal Church. Deciding together does not mean denying

authority, but exercising it as a service, enlightened by communal discernment. This theme invites us to examine how participation, responsibility, and authority are articulated in parish life.

• Do parish members feel invited to participate in the pastoral mission?

-         At what level of the mission are they involved: strategic reflection, decision,

execution, control, or evaluation?

-         What complementarity exists between the different members?

• How do we recognize each other in order to work together?

-         Does everyone have a role?

-         Do all have equal dignity?

• What is the role of lay service leaders (catechumenate, baptism prep, funerals, etc.)?

• From whom do they receive their mission?

-         Do they organize team meetings?

-         Do they have a say in the recruitment and training of their members?

-         Are there times for review? If so, how often?

• How do our meetings in the parish unfold?

-         Is there an agenda and minutes?

-         Are decisions shared with the PAT? Other services? The parish?

Theme 3: Recognizing and Growing Talents

Management of People Engaged in Our Parish

"Put yourselves, each according to the gift he has received, at the service of one another, as

good stewards of the varied grace of God." (1 Pet 4:10)

By Baptism, all the faithful share in Christ’s mission and receive gifts of the Spirit for the building up of the community. The Synod recalls that the diversity of charisms and ministries is not a secondary richness but something constitutive of the Church.

A synodal parish recognizes, calls forth, forms, and supports those who are engaged, so that each person may serve according to the gift he or she has received. This theme helps us discern whether we truly value people’s talents and whether we accompany those who place themselves at the service of the mission.

• Identification and management of talents:

-         Does the animation and management of volunteers benefit from specific attention that goes beyond simply meeting parish needs?

-         How are the gifts and talents of each person identified to be put at the service of all? o Are the skills present in the community recognized and valued, ensuring each is sought according to their capacity?

-         Are our volunteers supported, thanked, and renewed (e.g., through a specific event, celebration, letter, or training)?

-         Does recruitment take into account the desires and charisms of each person?

-         Does training take into account the skills each person needs to develop for their role?

-         Is the management of employees professional (job descriptions, annual evaluations, fair/legal pay)?

• Formation:

-         How are the training needs of pastoral actors identified?

-         How are appropriate training locations identified and proposed?

Theme 4: A Community that Takes Care of Each of Its Members

Fraternity in Our Parish

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another." (Jn 13:35)

Synodality is first of all a relational style: walking together means weaving fraternal bonds,

respecting differences and recognizing the dignity of each person. The Final Document emphasizes the conversion of relationships as a condition for a credible and missionary Church.

A synodal community is a place where people learn to dialogue, to welcome one another, to move through disagreements, and to care for one another. This theme invites us to reflect on the quality of our relationships and on the attention given to the most vulnerable.

• Taking care of priests:

-         As parishioners, are we attentive to weaving a fraternal and adjusted relationship with priests?

-         Do we avoid all forms of clericalism (e.g., not putting them on a pedestal)?

-         Do we offer them times of conviviality (shared meals, sports)?

-         Do we respect their weekly day off, spiritual retreat time, training, and vacations?

• Conviviality:

-         How are new parishioners welcomed and integrated? Is there a welcome team or a "welcome Mass"?

-         Do we create regular moments of encounter or conviviality outside of Mass (e.g., Bible groups, Advent/Lent groups, parish meals)? Are priests involved and present?

-         How do we foster unity between generations, sensibilities, and social origins?

• Fraternal life and fragility:

-         How do we create a climate of trust where everyone can express themselves without fear?

-         Where and how do we allow for the expression of disagreement?

• Openness to differences:

-         How do we allow ourselves to be "displaced" by newcomers (e.g., welcoming catechumens who want to "follow Christ" and not necessarily "be like us")?

-         How do we listen to the needs of those outside the parish?

-         How do we learn good practices from those outside the parish?

-         In what way are we vigilant against the risk of becoming a closed circle?

Theme 5: Guaranteeing Good Governance

Adjusted Safeguards

“You know that those who are considered rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. But it shall not be so among you. Rather, whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mk 10:45)

“Do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.” (1 Pt 5:3)

Synodality also calls for a conversion of structures. The Synod emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and mechanisms that prevent abuses and foster trust. Authority in

the Church is at the service of the People of God and cannot be exercised in an isolated or opaque manner. This theme helps us examine whether our practices ensure a balanced and responsible governance oriented toward the common good and the mission.

• Are there safeguards to guarantee just authority in our parish?

-         Are there mechanisms to accompany leaders, prevent abuse, and promote shared governance?

-         Is there a system for reporting an alert?

-         Is there attention to "rotating" teams so that each person grows and no one becomes the "owner" of their position?

• How are parishioners informed of parish activity and resource management

-         e.g., parish assembly, journal, budget, accounts)?

• In what way do the different teams review their activities and report back to the

whole parish?

-         Are there review times to evaluate decisions?

-         If so, how often?

CONCLUSION

Entering into a synodal process requires courage: the courage to listen to one another, to question ourselves, and to move forward together. It is a deeply joyful path, and experience shows that it helps people grow in trust, fraternity, and mission.

We wish you as much joy in this parish reflection as we had in developing this questionnaire.

Contact : pmjderoux@gmail.com

Questionnaire for a synodal path - All together, following Christ - March 5, 2026

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PASTORAL LETTER Weekend 7-8 March 2026

St Patrick’s Centre, PO Box 146, East Melbourne VIC 8002 Australia

Tel: +61 3 9926 5612 Email: archbishop@cam.org.au

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ Jesus,

My prayerful greetings to you in the Lord.

In recent years, the Church throughout the world has entered a time of attentive listening, discernment and renewal through what we have come to call a synodal way of being. Many of you have taken part in important moments of consultation and reflection: for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, for the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, and within our own Archdiocesan journey of renewal, Take the Way of the Gospel. Through these experiences you have generously embraced the call to walk more faithfully with Christ and with one another.

From the earliest times of the Church, gatherings of the faithful — which became known as synods (from the Greek synodos, meaning “journeying together” or “walking the same path”) — have met to discern important questions in the light of the Word of God and through attentive listening to the Holy Spirit. “Synodality” therefore, describes the way in which this journeying together takes place: the shared participation of the whole People of God in the life and mission of the Church.

Such a journey requires patience, humility and trust in the guidance of the Spirit. At its heart is a simple but profound discipline: to listen — to the Gospel, to the lived experience of our communities, and to the Spirit who speaks through God’s faithful people.

Across our Archdiocese there is a rich diversity of gifts and a deep desire for renewal. Many have expressed hopes for stronger communion, renewed missionary purpose, deeper formation, and a Church in which every person knows they belong. These are signs of the Spirit at work among us.

As your Archbishop, I carry these hopes with you. I am deeply grateful for the generosity and faith you have shown in walking this path together.

In light of these reasons, today, Sunday 8 March, I formally convoke a Synod for the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

The purpose of this Synod is to help shape our evangelical and missionary priorities for the years ahead. It will be a time for our local Church to listen attentively to the Holy Spirit and to discern how we are called to proclaim the Gospel more faithfully in our time and place.

I invite every parish, community, ministry and Catholic organisation across the Archdiocese to take part in this journey.

In the months ahead, you will be asked to gather in prayer, to listen to one another, and to reflect together on how the Lord is calling our Church to a renewed faith and fruitfulness.

This synodal journey will focus particularly on three themes I shared with you at the end of last year: Young Discipleship; Missionary Leadership; and Formation and Participation. As you reflect on these themes, I encourage you to ask some simple but important questions: Where is the Holy Spirit leading our Archdiocese at this time? To whom are we being called to accompany in faith more intentionally? How might we reflect the face of Christ more clearly in our local Church?

As we begin this journey, I entrust our Archdiocese to Mary, Mother of the Church. She pondered the mysteries of God in her heart and remained steadfast among the first disciples. May she guide us to be a Church that listens with faith, loves with generosity, and follows Christ with renewed confidence and hope.

With every grace and blessing, I remain,

Yours sincerely in Christ Jesus,

Most Rev Peter A Comensoli Archbishop of Melbourne

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https://melbournecatholic.org/synod2026

Further information will be made available on the website: https://melbournecatholic.org/synod2026 including the Decree, which will be formally convoked by Archbishop Comensoli at the 11am Mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Sunday 8 March.