Broken Bay Diocese’s Patti Beattie highlighted her vision for raising the next generation of women leaders in an address at the Global 2033 Leaders and Women of Influence Summit in Rome. Source: Broken Bay Catholic.
The diocese’s head of pastoral discernment and accompaniment was invited to address summit on shared leadership and synodal initiatives.
Drawing on her own experience within Broken Bay Diocese, Ms Beattie shared ways to equip and empower others, particularly women, for leadership and service in the Church.
“My role as head of pastoral discernment and accompaniment centres on contributing to building a synodal Church by designing and leading pastoral discernment projects that invite deep listening, broad participation, and shared mission,” Ms Beattie told the international gathering.
“In the diocese, we have engaged with our three deaneries asking what are the unique opportunities and challenges facing their communities?
“From there, we have worked collaboratively to shape local pastoral missions that empower people to participate more fully in the life and mission of the Church.
“For example, one deanery expressed a strong desire for formation opportunities – experiences that would help them grow in deeper relationship with Christ, and with one another.”
In response, Broken Bay Bishop Anthony Randazzo is developing a pastoral formation centre, Ms Beattie said.
“In the diocese, we are experiencing a cultural transformation, an innovative and significant shift in how we consider the way forward, and very much inclusive of the participation of women,” Ms Beattie said.
This dynamic also includes one parish transitioning from closed pastoral council meetings to a parish-in-council open gathering, inviting the entire parish community to participate in a day of prayer, listening, and shared discernment.
“This is a new way of being Church together in the Diocese – clergy and all lay women and men, around the table together where the voice of all is invited, welcomed, and appreciated,” Ms Beattie said.
Building on intentional formation, education, and support, the global summit delegates acknowledged the vital importance of cultivating leadership styles that honour cultural diversity and individual gifts, while building networks of prayerful encouragement and practical skills.
Ms Beattie said it is hoped that a similar summit will be held for the Oceania region in 2026.
FULL STORY
Australian Diocese Contribution to International Women of Influence Summit (Broken Bay Catholic)
