In a historic moment for the Church in Sydney, the third and final regional Synod consultation saw hundreds of faithful share their ideas for the Church’s future. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Marked by a resounding atmosphere of positivity, collaboration and hopeful sharing, the three consultations have seen nearly 1000 Catholic parishioners answer the invitation from Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP to offer their practical ideas to reinvigorate the Church at any of the three regional consultations.
The first consultation was held on August 30 at Holy Family Church in Menai and the second on October 14 at St Mary’s Cathedral. The final consultation was held at All Saints Parish in Liverpool on October 16.
At each session, attendees were invited to expand their ideas in formal submissions, some of which will be collated and presented at the diocesan Synod for Sydney next year.
Archbishop Fisher has convoked a diocesan Synod for Sydney between April 30 and May 3, 2026, to address the Holy Spirit-inspired longings communicated by the Sydney faithful after many years of consultation.
The feedback from the many participants expressed hope, positivity and gratitude.
At all consultations, Archbishop Fisher joined Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Meagher and many of the archdiocese’s clergy to lend their support and wisdom.
Sydney Synod project officer Varun Perera reflected on the hope and fruits borne from the three consultations.
“These consultations were what synodality is all about. They were occasions of real sharing and listening between Catholics of various ages. We had a lot of children at Liverpool, it was nice to see them sharing their faith with the adults.
“Everyone was present at the tables and giving their thoughts as to how the Church will move forward, and that was the most beautiful thing to see.”
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Historic Synod Consultations signal way forward for the future church (By Darren Ally, The Catholic Weekly)
