Synod Gathering

  • Four pieces of advice from Pope Francis to the Church

    Recently, Pope Francis spoke to the bishops and diocesan representatives from across Italy and gave some advice that can also apply to our local Church here in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains. ...
  • Where will synodality lead us? Following the journey of Mary, Mother of God

    This journey of synodality we have commenced has many uncertainties: what exactly will this journey be like? Where exactly will it take us?  We are not the first to make such a journey into unknown territory, guided only by faith and the Spirit. Mary, Mother of the Church, herself lived...
  • Members of the faithful are seen in prayer at Mass

    Synodality and the Holy Spirit

    The Church of our time has been called to travel on a journey to become more synodal. How will we make that journey? Where are our maps? “In the great journey of life,” Pope Francis said in his homily on the feast of Pentecost, “the Spirit teaches us where...
  • Why all this talk about synodality?

    Most Catholics had never heard the word “synodality” until a few years ago. Then the Holy Father started to use it often in his letters and homilies. He urged all of us baptised to take part in becoming more synodal. Why this change?  ...
  • Growing into synodality

    “We gain control by letting go. We come to know by not knowing,” says Fr Michael Whelan SM as he explains the power of listening within....
  • Putting feelings into words

    Over the next few months, as part of the Synod process, Bishop Vincent is asking us to put our feelings about the Church into words. This includes children’s feelings, too. But even for adults, expressing our emotions effectively is sometimes easier said than done....
  • Seeking bold humility in the Synod

    “Jesus is curious. He asks questions,” says Qwayne Guevara, Lead Facilitator of the Synod taking place in the Diocese of Parramatta in 2023 and 2024. Questions, says Qwayne, are a great way to set the scene for openness and listening and a new ‘bold humility’ to live our faith....