Perth Archdiocese is entering an important new chapter in its synodal journey with the establishment of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Source: The Record.
Convened by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, the DPC is being formed as an advisory body to strengthen collaboration, discernment, and co-responsibility in the mission of the Church.
Rooted in the spirit of Pope Francis’s call to deepen participation, dialogue, and shared decision-making, the DPC will embody the principle that “the whole community, in free and rich diversity of its members, is called together to pray, listen, analyse, dialogue, discern and offer advice” on the pastoral life of the Church.
The re-establishment of the council follows extensive listening and discernment processes, including the Archdiocesan Assembly held in July 2024 and the work of the Diocesan Pastoral Council Implementation Advisory Group.
Perth Auxiliary Bishop Don Sproxton, co-chair of the Implementation Advisory Group, said the group has recommended a structure that is transparent, inclusive, and firmly anchored in synodality.
“Following extensive review of the listening and discernment process conducted in conjunction with the Archdiocesan Assembly, we have begun to understand what we can do to better support the pastoral needs for our Perth Catholic community through a Pastoral Council,” Bishop Sproxton said.
“The draft statutes of the proposed DPC describe it as a consultative body to the Archbishop, charged with investigating, considering, and proposing practical initiatives for the pastoral works of the Archdiocese.
“It will not be a representative parliament, but a body of prayerful discernment, where members contribute for the good of the whole Church in Perth.”
Council members will be appointed by Archbishop Costelloe for a three-year term.
The Diocesan Pastoral Council is expected to hold its first meetings in early 2026, with formation programs and communication strategies already being developed.
FULL STORY
A new chapter in shared leadership: Diocesan Pastoral Council starts to take shape (By Jamie O’Brien, The Record)
