Hobart to undertake Synod consultation

In preparation for the Second Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October this year, local dioceses around Australia have been asked to undertake a consultation process.

This round of consultation will not take place at the parish level but rather among particular leadership groups within the diocese.

In response to this request, the Archdiocese of Hobart will conduct consultation with ten different leadership groups within the diocese.

Beginning in February, the groups will gather and reflect on several key questions including the question of “enhancing the differentiated co-responsibility in the mission of all members” and will then provide feedback.

A report summarising the feedback gathered from the consultation groups will then be submitted to the National Centre for Pastoral Research in April.

Vice Chancellor, Michael McKenna, will continue in his role as Diocesan Contact for the Synod process.

 “This work does not require restarting the synodal process again in dioceses but rather it is built upon the outcomes of the synodal experiences from previous stages of consultation,” said Australian

Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe.

National Centre for Pastoral Research Director Dr Trudy Dantis said: “In responding to the questions, dioceses and groups are invited to focus on the ‘how’ and to choose aspects that enable them to

make contributions based on their own situation, character and experience.”

A synthesis report of the diocesan and national reflections and a collation of diocesan testimonies will be sent to the Vatican by 15 May.

The next session of the Synod of Bishops will be held in October at the Vatican.