Cairns Diocese hosted its Diocesan Plenary Consultation on Saturday, a milestone event aimed at shaping the future direction of the local Church.
More than 230 attendees travelled from every corner of the vast diocese to Brothers League Club to reflect, listen and speak boldly as part of this unique opportunity for prayerful dialogue and spiritual renewal.
Parishioners, educators, clergy and lay people were invited to contribute to the process, which aims to respond to the needs and hopes of local communities while remaining grounded in the Gospel.
“As we embarked on our 2025-2026 Synod journey, it was brilliant to see people from all different corners of the diocese sitting side by side, respectfully reflecting and listening to each other’s views on how the Church can grow,” Cairns Bishop Joe Caddy, who facilitated the day’s reflections, said.
“It is clear that attendees feel honoured to be part of this process, and I am truly grateful to see them taking it seriously and embracing the community spirit,” Bishop Caddy said.
A highlight was the question-and-answer session with Bishop Caddy, where parishioners were invited to ask anonymous questions about the diocese’s direction, decisions, and challenges.
Bishop Caddy responded openly and honestly, acknowledging the complexity of many of the issues raised. Topics included the role of women in the Church, how to better engage young people in the Mass, increasing faith participation in schools, and the desire for greater ethnic diversity among priests serving in the diocese.
Special guest presenter Susan Pascoe, a member of the Vatican’s Methodology Commission for the Synod on Synodality and a facilitator at the Synod Assemblies in Rome in 2023 and 2024, praised the event’s energy and depth of discussion.
“What stood out to me most was how deeply people care about the Church and how seriously they’re taking this moment. It says a lot that registrations had to be closed for this event,” she said.
“The Diocese of Cairns has shown that it’s ready to have the tough conversations, together and in good faith.”
The event is a key step in the diocesan synodal journey of renewal and collaboration, with outcomes to inform future pastoral planning and local mission initiatives.
FULL STORY
Over 230 Gather for Historic Synod Plenary Consultation session in Cairns (Cairns Diocese)
