Melbourne Synod

On the third Sunday of Lent, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli formally convoked a Synod for the Archdiocese of Melbourne. The synod calls the Melbourne Church to journey together in communion, participation and mission, echoing Pope Francis’ vision of a ‘listening Church’ (Evangelii Gaudium, §31). Informed by Vatican II’s teaching, the Church is ‘a people made one with the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit’ (Lumen Gentium, §4).

There are three themes about which the church of Melbourne is being invited to discern:

·        young discipleship

·        missionary leadership

·        formation and participation.

The synod assembly will be held across the weekend of 4–6 December 2026. Over these next months, a range of opportunities will be available for Melbourne Catholics to be part of the consultation process toward the synod. In the meantime, further information can be accessed at melbournecatholic.org/synod2026.

In the synodal Church ‘the whole community, in the free and rich diversity of its members, is called together to pray, listen, analyse, dialogue, discern and offer advice on taking pastoral decisions (ITC 68) for mission’ (Final Document, §87).

Our partnered Parishes have chosen their Synod Themes :

   St Kevin’s have chosen “Formation & Participation “

   St. Patricks have chosen “Youth Discipleship “

   Local Parish consultation process will be held on

   Sat. 15th Aug 12:30—2:30 Rovira House .

   Please sign up with your names (form in the foyer) for catering purposes .

Prayer for the Synod

Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus

We stand before You, Holy Spirit,

as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us,

make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go

and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path

nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity

so that we may journey together to eternal life

and not stray from the way of truth

and what is right.

All this we ask of You,

who are at work in every place and time,

in the communion of the Father and the Son,

forever and ever. Amen.