Towards the 2024 Assembly
Sandhurst Deanery consultations are keeping ‘Synodal Dynamism’ alive with Synod consultation meetings. Using the Synthesis Report of the First Assembly of the Synod on Synodality held in Rome last year as a starting point, they have pondered the question — “How to be a Synodal Church on Mission?”. Feedback will be used to inform the agenda of the Second Assembly held in October this year.
Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ reports on the Goulburn Valley Deanery consultation.
Goulburn Valley Deanery discusses Ways to build a Synodal Church in Mission
By Fr Rene Ramirez RCJ
On Thursday evening, 14 March 2024, thirty-nine representatives from various parishes across the Goulburn Valley Deanery gathered at St Mel’s Parish in South Shepparton to discuss ways to build a synodal Church in mission.The meeting was held in preparation for the Second Session of the Synodal Assembly in October 2024. The Deanery was invited to contribute to deepening aspects of the Synthesis Report that are fundamental to the Synod’s theme.
The attendees, who represented parishes from Shepparton, Shepparton South, Rushworth, Mooroopna, Kyabram, Numurkah, Tatura, and Euroa, were guided by the question: How can we be a synodal Church in mission? The discussion focused on the importance of collaboration and communication among the Church’s members and leaders to effectively carry out its mission.
The meeting began at 5.00 p.m. and concluded at 6:45 p.m. Throughout the gathering, attendees shared their insights, opinions and experiences on ways to build a synodal Church in mission. The discussion covered various topics, including the need for active participation and engagement from all members of the Church; the importance of involving women and young people in decision-making processes; and the significance of prioritising the marginalised and vulnerable in the Church’s mission and outreach.
The Goulburn Valley Deanery Consultation was one of many gatherings held across the Diocese of Sandhurst in preparation for the Second Session of the Synodal Assembly. The Synod’s theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” highlights the importance of building a Church that is more collaborative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of its members and the world.
As the Goulburn Valley Deanery prepares to contribute to this important dialogue, it is clear that the members of the Church are committed to building a synodal Church in mission which is grounded in the Gospel values of love, justice, and compassion.
