Melbourne Synod 2026
25 Aug 2026
What is a Synod?
A synod is a gathering of God’s people – bishops, priests and laity - who come and discern together about matters regarding faith, governance, and pastoral care. This process involves prayer, dialogue, and consultation, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Church’s mission in the contemporary world.
The word synod means “journeying together,” reflecting the Church’s commitment to collaboration and shared decision-making.
A synodal gathering is focused on pastoral renewal and can result in decrees or pastoral plans that guide the diocese in its planning. A Synod is convoked by the Archbishop to discern the pastoral activities for ‘the good of the diocesan community’. This is the final object of the Synod.
Melbourne Synod 2026
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has formally convoked a Synod for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. A synod is a gathering of God’s people – bishops, priests and representatives – who come and discern together about matters regarding faith, governance, and pastoral care. This process involves prayer, dialogue, and consultation, aiming to foster a deeper understanding of the Church’s mission in the contemporary world.
Synod themes
The purpose of this synod is to help shape our evangelical and missionary priorities for the years ahead. Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has invited the community to focus on three key themes for the Synod:
- Young Discipleship
- Missionary Leadership
- Formation and Participation
Synod papers
With the release of the synod theme papers, we now embark on the next step of our own local synodal journey. The papers have been prepared to assist with reflection on the themes.
How to participate
- Make a submission. Gather your fellow parishioners, family, friends or colleagues for a spiritual conversation to reflect on the themes for the synod. Scan the QR code at the end of each paper to submit your reflections. Submissions will be accepted until 21 August 2026.
- Synod membership. If you are interested in nominating a parishioner to become a Synod member, nomination
- forms are available here.