Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, warmly invited the faithful to gather for the first anniversary of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan – a moment to give thanks for the first steps of this shared journey.
The occasion was marked with a Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday 14 August 2025 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta, followed by a light lunch in Cloister Hall. Fittingly, the anniversary fell on the Feast of St Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Franciscan priest who gave his life for another in Auschwitz.
In his homily, Bishop Vincent reflected on how St Maximilian gave his life in exchange for another prisoner in the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp.
“Now this act of self-offering was not just a spur of the moment act of heroism,” Bishop Vincent said.
“Rather, it was a culmination of the life of faithful discipleship, lived in total trust, generosity, compassion and selflessness.”
Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
He connected the saint’s witness to the vision of the Pastoral Plan, saying, “Being a synodal Church is about walking together, putting this thing together, and being the sign and the sacrament of God’s presence, God’s love for the world…”
“So as we give thanks for the initial steps we have taken together, we commit ourselves to walking the journey and to doing all we can to implement the Diocese of life that we have conceived together.”
At the gathering afterwards, Bishop Vincent continued, saying the first anniversary of the launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan was effectively the truth of our journey. “Our journey of listening, of discerning, of making concrete decisions towards a new way of the Church that the spirit has been calling us to do…”
“We share [Pope Francis’] conviction the Church, as the whole people of God walks together, shares the burden of humanity, listens to the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth…,”he said.
“Being a synodal Church is about walking together, witnessing together and being the sign and sacrament for God’s love for the world together.”
Qwayne Guevara, who was the Lead Facilitator of the synodal process in 2023 and the development and launch of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan in 2024, gave thanks to the Diocesan community:
“I want to begin first by expressing my deep gratitude to each and every one of you,” she said.
Qwayne Guevara, Mission Enhancement Team. Image: Alphonsus Fok/Diocese of Parramatta.
“If it wasn’t for you and your yes in the way that Mary had said yes, we wouldn’t be in this position, cultivating a way of being Church that is unlike anywhere else in the world.”
Qwayne reminded those gathered of the hope that underpins the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, particularly in this year of Jubilee:
“‘Behold, I am with you always’. It’s something that I have been sitting with in the last 12 months,” said Qwayne, reflecting on her recent study sabbatical in Boston.
“It became so apparent to me: recognising there is a hope we are called to…in our everyday lives.
“It’s not sentimental… It’s a concrete hope in something, in someone, that is far beyond us – Jesus.”
As the Diocese marks this milestone, the first anniversary was a reminder that the Pastoral Plan is not a destination, but the beginning of a journey in communion, mission, and hope.
We pray:
God of all people,
You have called us to be a synodal Church.
Walking together in faith, rooted in prayer
and open to Your Spirit.
As we mark one year of our Pastoral plan,
we give thanks for the steps we’ve taken and
for the grace that has carried us.
Help us to keep listening, to keep learning
and to keep loving one another.
May our Diocese be a beacon of hope,
a home for all and a witness to Your
enduring presence. Behold, You are
with us always.
We ask this prayer through Jesus Christ,
who in the power of the Holy Spirit
continues to guide your Church, to the
fullness of your Kingdom now, and forever.
Amen.
Learn more about the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, discover inspiring stories from our parishes, agencies and ministries, and explore new resources on our website portal: parracatholic.org/synodality
View the photo gallery on Flickr.
