‘Conversations in the Spirit’: Gearing up for Synod 2027

By Catherine Sheehan

Next month, the first events in preparation for the Archdiocese of Hobart’s 2027 Synod Gathering will take place.

On 5 and 26 September, Facilitator Training sessions titled ‘Conversations in the Spirit’, will be held in Launceston and Hobart respectively.

The training will prepare participants to facilitate Regional Listening Sessions to be held later this year, and discussions during the Synod Gathering in May next year.

Synod Project Officer, Jane McKeown, said the Facilitator Training would provide formation on how to use the ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ practice for group discussions.

“Conversations in the Spirit is an ancient practice of the Church, particularly helping all the voices to be heard when people are gathered,” Jane said.

“It is a structured listening and discernment process used at synods and Church consultations.

“Silence is important, and not everyone likes it, however it brings solace allowing the spiritual conversation to bring new ways of thinking, to listen more deeply, and being present.

“The Conversations in the Spirit approach creates a space for prayer, communal discernment and mutual respect and trust.

“By the end of the training, facilitators should feel confident leading a group through a ‘Conversations in the Spirit’, ensuring all people are heard and helping the group discern key questions together.”

Participation in the Facilitator Training sessions will be by invitation only, with people to be selected from each parish around the state. The selection process will involve parish priests nominating members of their communities.

“The Synod Steering Committee extended an open invitation to the diocesan parish priests to ask and nominate people,” Jane said.

“The nominees will be considered by the Synod Steering Committee and will be formally invited to the ‘Conversations in the Spirit’—Facilitator Training during September within their region.”

The trained facilitators will go on to play an important role in guiding the Regional Listening Sessions to be held on 31 October in Devonport, 7 November in Launceston, and 21 November in Hobart, and at the Synod itself in May 2027.

At the Regional Listening Sessions participants will engage in themed group discussions using the ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ approach and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirt in discerning the pastoral direction of the diocese. The sessions will be open to anyone who wishes to attend, however registrations will be necessary with a limit of 100 spots at each session.

“By the conclusion of a Regional Listening Sessions, people will have had the opportunity to contribute their voice to the Synod process, listen to the experiences of others from across the region, and help identify the needs and directions for the Church’s future mission and ministry,” Jane said.

The main event, of course, will be the Archdiocesan Synod Gathering to be held in Hobart from 14 to 16 May 2027. Attendance will be via an application process.

“The Archdiocesan Synod is a gathering of clergy, religious, and lay people to pray, discuss and respond to the specific needs of the diocese under the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” Jane said.

“The Synod is intended to inspire people to be the Church we are called to be through our baptismal promises. A gathering of faith, hope and love for the pastoral mission of the Archdiocese of Hobart.”

For more information about the Synod visit hobart.catholic.org.au/synod-2027 or email synod@aohtas.org.au