On World Refugee Day Tuesday, 20 June, parishioners from 15 parishes came together to reflect, listen and discern at Peace, Justice, Ecology (PJE) consultation sessions for the Diocese of Parramatta Synod.
Held at the Saint Josephine Bakhita Campus of the Australian Catholic University, Blacktown, the consultations provided an opportunity to network with parishioners about their vocation to serve the cries of the Earth, the poor and those who have no voice.
As part of the process, participants complete a written group submission to the Synod.
Synod conversations can build stronger parish life
Melissa McDonald hoped the value of conversations focusing on sharing and listening would be seen as part of building stronger parish life. “I wonder how we can get people to understand and appreciate the value of these conversations, which are fundamental to achieving harmony in our parish communities,” she said. “We came together even though we’ve got different voices. I think it’s important if we want to work well in our community, to work on developing community through synod conversations.”.
The consultation gave each participant a chance to add their voice to the Diocesan Synod. Jeanne Appleton commented, “It’s given me a better idea of what kind of voice we have in the Synod, and how to go about making a submission. And it’s a privilege to think that we can. Having said that, it’s my Church. It’s our Church. I believe that strongly.”
Being inspired by others
The Diocese of Parramatta Synod has been designed to consult as widely as possible and people can complete submissions in different ways. Being able to attend a consultation session focused on Peace, Justice and Ecology also gave participants an opportunity to network.
“It was important to link into this session to keep aware of what we’re doing in the space and particularly around the synodal journey,” said Melissa.
Patricia Pacleb from the Plumpton Parish shared, “I come to these events because I want to be inspired. Part of my role in the Church is to engage the youth in social justice activity”.
Jeanne also valued the opportunity. “I come today because I am passionate about my church, God in the world,” she said. “And if in some little way, I can perhaps be a voice or do something toward making our world and our little community a better place. I’m happy to do that.”
The ACU generously provided the venue for the PJE Synod Consultations at its Blacktown Campus, named after St Josephine Bakhita, the Patron Saint of South Sudan and Sudan.
All people in the Diocese of Parramatta are invited to write a submission for the Diocesan Synod before 31 July 2023. Individual and group submissions are welcome. You can find information on how to write a submission at parracatholic.org/synod2023.
