Cairns Bishop Joe Caddy wants to hear from people across the Cairns community as he announces a diocesan Synod to begin later this year. Source: The Catholic Leader.
Bishop Caddy said the diocese was “vast and diverse”, hoping the Synod would “help us listen more deeply to the voices of our people”.
“It’s an opportunity to create stronger pastoral strategies, build greater unity, and respond to the needs of our communities, from youth engagement to climate and social justice issues,” he said.
The Synod aimed at increasing dialogue, unity and pastoral planning with the Catholic community beginning on Pentecost Sunday.
Bishop Caddy was appointed six months ago and has spent recent months travelling the diocese to engage with parishes, schools and diocesan agencies.
Through these visits, he saw the strengths and challenges facing the faith community.
The major topics the diocese is aiming to address at the Synod are –
1. To establish ongoing synodal processes of consultation
2. Develop a plan for the establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council.
Bishop Caddy would lead clergy, religious and laity for a year-long process ending on Pentecost Sunday 2026.
The preparatory phase begins this Lent, focusing on education, prayer and forming a preparatory commission to oversee the Synod structure.
The process will involve open plenary sessions, consultations, and key discussions leading to a final plenary assembly on May 17, 2026.
Bishop Caddy invited all the faithful to pray for the success of the Synod.
“What we aim to achieve through the Synod is to embed synodality into our DNA so that this method of listening deeply to the many voices and invoking the guidance of the Holy Spirit will simply become the way we do business here in the diocese,” he said.
Details: Cairns Synod website.
FULL STORY
Bishop Caddy announces diocesan synod for Cairns to begin this year (By Joe Higgins, The Catholic Leader)
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