Toowoomba’s Diocesan Synod, to be held in October, is beginning to take shape, with a facilitator training session ahead of the diocesan-wide listening sessions over the next two months.
Toowoomba Bishop Ken Howell formally convoked the diocesan Synod in November last year, inviting the faithful to come together in prayer, listening and discernment about the future of the Church across the region.
A significant milestone came on April 21, when more than 60 participants gathered for facilitator training, equipping them to guide the next phase of the Synod process.
Led by Synod moderator Rachel Pingel and Synod facilitator Sally Hood, the day offered both practical tools and spiritual grounding for those who will lead conversations across the diocese.
“There was a real sense of enthusiasm among participants. People are eager to foster spaces of prayerful discernment and respectful listening,” Ms Hood said.
“Our hope for these conversations is that they are both an encounter with the ‘other’ whilst being centred first and foremost in an encounter with the Holy Spirit.”
These newly trained facilitators will play a central role in the upcoming listening sessions, arguably the heart of the Synod journey.
Over May and June, sessions will be held in Warwick, Dalby, Roma, Charleville and Toowoomba, alongside an online option.
Each gathering will provide space for parishioners from all walks of life to share their experiences, hopes and concerns, ensuring that the Synod reflects the authentic voice of the community.
Bishop Howell expressed encouragement at the level of engagement already emerging.
“I’m delighted to see a wide variety of our parishioners attend facilitator training,” he said.
“The key to the success of our Synod is prayer and that as many people, from all walks of life, participate at key stages of the process. We are looking for a clear vision for our diocese’s shared future.”
Engagement will extend beyond parish communities, with a dedicated listening session planned for school staff during Catholic Education Week in July.
Following the listening sessions is the submission phase, where insights and contributions are formally recorded and key themes will emerge.
These themes will shape the discussions at the Diocesan Synod itself, scheduled for October 23–24 at St Mary’s College, Toowoomba.
FULL STORY
Listening to the Future: Building Momentum Toward October Synod (By Ingrid McTaggart, Toowoomba Diocese)
