Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Meagher have outlined the vision for the upcoming Synod of Sydney, set to take place from April 30-May 3, 2026. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Inspired by Pope Francis’ call for a “more synodal Church,” it aims to foster a spirit of discernment and raise up practical and missionary ideas and initiatives within the Church that are attuned to the needs and aspirations of the faithful.
Archbishop Fisher announced the archdiocesan Synod in a pastoral letter on March 12.
In his remarks at a clergy conference on March 20, Archbishop Fisher emphasised the Pope’s vision of a Church that is more aware and responsive to the community it serves, one that is welcoming and inclusive, bringing diverse voices together for open and fraternal dialogue.
In response to this universal call, the archbishop has convoked the Synod for the Sydney Archdiocese to revitalise the local Church’s commitment to prayerfulness, Christ-likeness, and a missionary spirit.
The archbishop hoped that the Synod would be positive, practical and faithful. He shared his wish for the Synod to embody the spirit of the Councils of Jerusalem and Nicaea, the latter of which is celebrating its 1700th anniversary this year.
To effectively plan the Synod, the archbishop has formed a Synod Working Party, which he will chair.
Acknowledging the “synodal fatigue” some clergy have experienced due to extensive consultations in recent years, Bishop Meagher emphasised a renewed sense of positivity and practicality should emerge from this Synod.
He explained the purpose of the Synod as “squarely pastoral” and that it is “to honour the already expressed genuine longings of our people, to try and respond to them and to develop pastoral initiatives that will bear much fruit.”
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Our vision for Sydney’s Synod (By Darren Ally, The Catholic Weekly)
