Diocesan Synod 2019 - 2021 | Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle

Diocesan Synod 2019-2021

A Synod - the word means “journeying together” - is a formal assembly of representatives of the whole diocesan community: clergy, religious and lay people. Through the Synod process, which involves collaboration, discernment, governance and communion, the Bishop seeks advice on matters concerning the good of the whole diocese. Declarations and decrees are promulgated which set the direction for the diocese in the form of a Diocesan Pastoral Plan. So, Diocesan Synods are important instruments and occasions for effecting renewal.

The last Diocesan Synod was held in 1992/93 and since then, parishes within the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle have been journeying together through assemblies and gatherings in which they have been discerning the voice of the Spirit.

Bishop William Wright issued a decree convoking a new Diocesan Synod, the first since 1992/93 on 8^th August 2019, on the Feast of Mary MacKillop.

The theme of the Synod (2019 – 2021) is “Building the Kingdom of God together”.

The Diocesan Synod was to be held in three sessions (2019, 2020 & 2021) inviting people to carefully discern together what the spirit is saying to the Church of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and agree on common goals and actions for the coming years.

Following the death of Bishop Bill Wright in November 2021, the current Diocesan Synod is in abeyance.

View the Diocesan Synod website here.