Bulletin Notice #1

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What is the 2026 Archdiocesan Synod?

The word synod is an ancient Greek word that means “journeying together on the way.” The 2026 Archdiocesan

synod is a gathering of people from Parishes, Schools and Communities in the Archdiocese working together with the Archbishop and other leaders to make decisions for our future. The 2026 synod is a continuation of our recent Diocesan and Regional Assemblies, the 5th Australian Plenary Council and the Global Synod on Synodality.

Learn more about the synod at: www.togetherontheway.au/about

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What will be discussed at the Synod?

The Synod will look at 5 main themes:

• Becoming Missionary Disciples

• Formation for Mission and Leadership

• Communion in Grace – Sacrament to the World

• The Mission of Catholic Education and Being Church Together

• Structures and Planning for Communion, Mission and Participation

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Explanations of these themes are available at: www.togetherontheway.au/key-themes

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As a selected representative for the 2026 synod, to keep you informed as to what is happening, I will provide regular reports for the bulletin and short updates at our Mass centres. At any time during this year’s synod, if you have thoughts, queries, or feedback, please approach me personally or call the Parish Office for my mobile number.

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Pope Leo has called us to walk together as People of God - This is synodality!

 

As The Father Sent Me, So I Am Sending You (John 20: 21-22)

 

Kind regards, Gael Little

Synod 2026 Representative for Lefevre Catholic Community

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Bulletin Notice #2

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Dialogue Week: 22nd - 28th February, 2026 

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The Synod needs to hear from you! 

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The 2026 Archdiocesan Synod is a big meeting to help the Archbishop and leaders of our parishes, schools and communities to make decisions for our future. Dialogue Week is a chance for you to have a voice in the 2026 Archdiocesan Synod. It’s an invitation to have a conversation with someone else about the things that are important to you and to share them with the Archbishop and the Synod members. During Dialogue Week, you can send in your feedback and help shape the agenda of the Synod. Parishes, schools and communities will provide opportunities for Dialogue Groups during that week. 

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Bulletin Notice #3

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Dialogue Week: 22nd - 28th February, 2026 

The working document for the Synod: A Synodal Church on Mission is now available. The Synod Document comprises 5 Key Theme papers developed over the past six months by the writing groups, each theme identifies a series of recommendations to be discerned by the Synod. 

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The full Synod Document is available at www.togetherontheway.au/key-themes 

An audio version of the document will be available next week. 

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Short synopses of each of the Key Theme papers are available in the February edition of the Southern Cross Magazine. 

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Everyone is encouraged to engage with the Synod Document in preparation for the Dialogue Week conversations that will take place in our parish, community and schools that will cover these Key Themes. 

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Bulletin Notice #4

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Dialogue Week: 21st - 28th February, 2026

The working document for the Synod: A Synodal Church on Mission and an audio version of the document are now available at: www.togetherontheway.au/key-themes

The audio version is also available on the platforms of Apple Podcasts; Spotify & SoundCloud.

 

The 5 Key Themes are: (short synopses)

KEY THEME 1 – Becoming Missionary Disciples - We are all missionary disciples no matter where we come from. Pope Leo and Pope Francis underpin the challenge and the core of what it means to be a missionary disciple.

KEY THEME 2 – Communion in Grace – Sacrament to the World - Pulling together in every way in every Church community is the way ahead. The Church is for everyone. We need to recognise that the Church in the 21st century in our Archdiocese is made up of many new and diverse communities and must adapt accordingly.

KEY THEME 3 – The Mission of Catholic Education and Being Church Together- Connecting better with students in a world where faith is not always seen as relevant. As the traditional face of the Catholic Church – the parish worshipping community – changes, many parents are drawn to schools that maintain the communal spirit and values found in the Gospel.

KEY THEME 4 – Formation for Mission and Leadership - Living in a permanent state of mission is a must-do for all Catholics. Faith formation and spiritual development – which includes formation for leadership and mission – has been the number one priority at the 2021, 2022 and 2024 Diocesan Assemblies.

KEY THEME 5 – Structures and Planning for Communion, Participation and Mission - Peeling away the administrative layers to help everyone. The paper is strong on confronting differing realities within the Archdiocese and acknowledges that many parishioners may not understand all the structures currently supporting communion, participation and mission.

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Longer synopses of each of the Key Theme papers are available in our Mass Centres where you can register for one or more of the Dialogue Week Sessions. See timetable below.