Sam Hodge says the journey to Brisbane Archdiocese’s Synod has been a chance to reflect on what has been and a time to focus on “making things new”. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Mr Hodge is one of about 140 members called to participate in the two sessions of the SYNOD24. He was a member of Synod 2003, where the focus was “Jesus, Communion and Mission”.
“In Jesus, Communion and Mission, we are called to make things new,” he said. “The focus for the Church in the Archdiocese of Brisbane since then has been to fill people’s hearts with Jesus’ mission and how we can incorporate His mission in the life of the church and welcoming people into the body of Christ.
“On the journey to SYNOD24, I feel it is time to reflect on what has been and time to focus on ‘making things new’ going forward, so (that) people are welcome and the Church is constantly transformed.”
Synod executive officer Steph Unger said she was excited for the first weekend of the Synod, to be held September 6-7 at Holy Spirit Provincial Seminary in Banyo.
“There’s just this outpouring of joy from so many people,” Ms Unger said.
She said when it came time to discern who to invite as Synod Members, there had been a strong focus on including voices that authentically represented the diversity of the Archdiocese.
In total, the Synod members include 78 men and 60 women. About half the men are clergy and half laity.
The laity included people with backgrounds in parishes, multicultural communities, those who are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disabilities, young people, as well as those working in social justice and outreach, healthcare, Centacare, Brisbane Catholic Education and ministries across Brisbane.
Both the September 6 and 7 Session and the October 11 and 12 Session will have a focus on “Conversations in the Spirit”, which are prayerful round-table discussions designed to unpack complex and sensitive topics. These Spirit-led conversations will help the Synod Members discern and vote on the proposed actions.
Details: SYNOD2024
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Sam’s focus is on Jesus as Brisbane’s SYNOD24 approaches (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
