The first events in preparation for the Hobart Archdiocese’s 2027 Synod Gathering will take place next month, with facilitator training sessions to be held in Launceston and Hobart.
Titled “Conversations in the Spirit”, the training sessions on September 5 and 26 will prepare participants to lead Regional Listening Sessions to be held later this year, and discussions during the Synod Gathering in May next year.
Synod project officer Jane McKeown said the facilitator training would provide formation on how to use the Conversations in the Spiri” practice for group discussions.
“Conversations in the Spirit is an ancient practice of the Church, particularly helping all the voices to be heard when people are gathered,” Ms McKeown explained.
“It is a structured listening and discernment process used at synods and Church consultations.
“Silence is important, and not everyone likes it, however it brings solace allowing the spiritual conversation to bring new ways of thinking, to listen more deeply, and being present.
“The Conversations in the Spirit approach creates a space for prayer, communal discernment and mutual respect and trust.”
Participation in the Facilitator Training sessions will be by invitation only, with people to be selected from each parish in Tasmania.
The trained facilitators will go on to play an important role in guiding the Regional Listening Sessions to be held on October 31 in Devonport, November 7 in Launceston, November 21 in Hobart and at the Synod itself in May 2027.
“By the conclusion of a Regional Listening Sessions, people will have had the opportunity to contribute their voice to the Synod process, listen to the experiences of others from across the region, and help identify the needs and directions for the Church’s future mission and ministry,” Ms McKeown said.
The Archdiocesan Synod Gathering will be held in Hobart from May 14-16, 2027. Anyone can attend, however it will be necessary to register and there will be a cap of 200 people.
“The Synod is intended to inspire people to be the Church we are called to be through our baptismal promises. A gathering of faith, hope and love for the pastoral mission of the Archdiocese of Hobart,” Ms McKeown said.
Details: hobart.catholic.org.au/synod-2027.
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‘Conversations in the Spirit’: Gearing up for Synod 2027 (By Catherine Sheehan, Hobart Archdiocese)
