Melbourne Archdiocese is preparing to hold a Synod in 2026, with three key themes to form the focus of the gathering: young discipleship; missionary leadership, formation and participation. Source: Melbourne Catholic.
In a letter addressed to the faithful, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli called the Synod “an important moment in the life of our local Church in Melbourne”.
“This Jubilee Year of Hope has been a time of great grace for us,” the Archbishop wrote. “Throughout the year, I have been meeting with clergy and lay leaders, listening to them, and discerning with them as to how the Archdiocese of Melbourne might respond to the call to hold an Archdiocesan Synod.
“From this time of prayer, grace and reflection, I now wish to share that I have initiated preparations for a Synod to be held in the Archdiocese of Melbourne in 2026.”
Next year’s Synod has been part of “an unfolding journey”, Archbishop Comensoli explained, with Australia hosting the Fifth Plenary Council from 2021-2022, which he said “arose from a nationwide effort of prayerful listening and discernment”.
“We then contributed to the global Synod (2021-2024), which invited us to reflect on how we live communion, foster participation, and carry out Christ’s mission in the Church.
“I am grateful for the many people across the Archdiocese who took part in these consultations. You have offered insights filled with faith in Christ, love for the Church, and hope for our future,” the Archbishop wrote.
The whole Church has been invited into a renewed way of “walking together”.
“This way – synodality – is rooted in our baptism and asks each of us, whether lay, religious, or ordained, to listen deeply to the Holy Spirit and to one another.”
Preparations for the 2026 Synod will draw on the Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod 2025-2028, which was released and endorsed by Pope Leo XIV earlier this year.
Auxiliary Bishop Rene Ramirez RCJ will assist Archbishop Comensoli in leading the process across the archdiocese, and Cathy Jenkins has been appointed as Synod program lead.
More information on the Synod will be available in early 2026, with preparations including the establishment of a Synod Commission, which will help explore the three foundational themes.
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Melbourne Synod to be held in 2026 (Melbourne Catholic)
