More than 220 people gathered on Sunday 10 August to celebrate the launch of the Diocese of Parramatta’s new Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024-2028 – a plan that establishes and articulates the Diocese’s Christ-centred vision.
Held at the Western Sydney Conference Centre in Penrith, the all-day gathering marked the apex of an extensive process of synodality within the Diocese – that is, of ‘walking together’ – of deep listening, dialogue and discernment with people of different backgrounds, faiths and walks of life across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
A view of the journey undertaken by the global Church and Diocese of Parramatta at the official launch of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv said the new Pastoral Plan supports his motto to ‘go out into the deep’ (Luke 5:4), as it builds upon the former plan Faith in our Future 2014-2018 and sets out the direction and priorities of the Diocese as a Synodal Church over the next four years.
“Our journey has only just begun,” Bishop Vincent said.
“As we move forward, we endeavour to institutionalise best practice in communal discernment, decision making, and governance, which would enhance the authority of the ordained and the rightful participation of the faithful,” he said.
“Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we are strengthened by the encounter with Jesus as we embark on the journey of participation, communion and mission.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, speaks during the official launch of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Reverend Dr Ormond Rush said the new Pastoral Plan is built on a framework of key shared principles. These include the significance of baptism as the starting point for the Diocese’s shared mission in the Church, as well as Sensus Fidei, meaning ‘sense of the faith’.
“We see this in how a person lives, speaks and acts as a follower of God. It helps us understand that everyone, not just clergy, can recognise true expressions of faith.
“It is this Sensus Fidei, which propels us to work towards a Synodal Church by recognising the truth in what is said as we listen to others, to better understand our faith to make informed decisions, and to keep us on the right path.”
Rev Dr Ormond Rush speaks during the official launch of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The new Pastoral Plan is underscored by six objectives identified as common themes following the first Diocesan Synod, a three-day assembly held back in 2023 with around 280 faithful participants.
These objectives are to be a Synodal Church that is inclusive and welcoming, humble and healing, listening, renewed in spirit and prayer, reaches to the margins, and that walks together.
To achieve these objectives, five priorities have been identified: prayer; mission; formation; listening, dialogue and discernment; and community.
A view of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church during its official launch at the Western Sydney Conference Centre, Penrith. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
The Diocesan Gathering welcomed guest speakers Dr Ormond Rush and Dr Myriam Wijlens and featured four workshops and an expo with 16 tables on display to enable guests to engage with and learn more about the Diocese’s many partnerships, missionaries, and outreach programs.
Special thanks Uncle Chris Tobin for delivering a meaningful Welcome to Country, Fr Andrew Rooney for leading the gathering in prayer, guest speakers Dr Rush and Dr Wijlens, and all presenters and faithful in attendance.
Acknowledgements also to Qwayne Guevara, Lead Facilitator of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan and Manager of Catholic Youth in our Mission Enhancement Team, and the entire organising committee.
The Diocesan Gathering concluded with a celebration of Mass at St Nicholas of Myra Parish in Penrith, in a true reflection of the spirit of walking together towards a deeper connected and Synodal Church.
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta (centre) celebrates Mass at St Nicholas of Myra Parish, Penrith, following the launch of the 2024-2028 Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta
Everyone is encouraged to consider the document, its purpose and intention, and how each individual and group within this wonderfully vibrant and diverse community can contribute to the implementation of the Plan across the Diocese of Parramatta.
Download your copy of the Diocese of Parramatta’s Pastoral Plan for a Synodal Church 2024-2028, or find out more here.
View images from the Diocesan Pastoral Plan launch here or below:
