Ushering in a sense of confidence among all sectors of an increasingly diverse archdiocese will be one of the many positive outcomes of next year’s Adelaide Diocesan Synod, predicts Adelaide Archbishop Patrick O’Regan. Source: The Southern Cross.
Preparations are underway for the 2026 Adelaide Diocesan Synod, to be held in May and June next year.
Describing synodality as an evolution and not a revolution, Archbishop O’Regan said changing demographics over the past 15 years in Australia made the Synod particularly timely.
“It’s not a marching army where everyone steps off together, it’s a bell curve and some are ahead of the game already,” Archbishop O’Regan said. “Some are in that middle area and others need a little encouragement.”
The archbishop affirmed Pope Leo XIV’s description of synodality as a style and attitude where how we walk together matters most.
The Adelaide Diocesan Synod will look at cultural change while drawing on the best of our traditions to make it fit for purpose for the 21st century, he predicted. It would not be a “traditional democracy” but a way of participating.
“Synodality is not a parliament but a spiritual journey,” Archbishop O’Regan said.
Contemporary challenges are many, though. Finding the time to be involved in any aspect of a Church today can be particularly difficult, the Archbishop reflected.
“Our participation rate in parishes tends to be lower than what it was, partly by the fact that people are working. People will support (the Church) financially or by prayer but can’t come to a meeting.
“Getting people to participate has become more difficult because of time but also because of the number of people who have changed residency in the past five years. What that means is that people don’t engage as much.
“The whole idea of a Synod is getting people together so they have a sense of belonging to something bigger than themselves.”
Details: togetherontheway.au.
FULL STORY
Finding time to participate in the synodal journey (By Richard Evans, The Southern Cross)
