XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops In March 2020, Pope Francis announced that the theme for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops would be “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. The journey towards the celebration of the Synod in October 2023 will solemnly open on October 9-10, 2021 in Rome, and on October 17 in each particular Church. On September 7, 2021, the preparatory document and the vademecum (handbook) for the synodal journey were released. With the convocation of the Synod of Bishops on the themes of communion, participation and mission, Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium. This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s ‘renewal’ proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task.” An introduction to the Synod of Bishops | Credit: Sydney Centre for Evangelisation Diocesan Consultation Phase All Catholics are invited to take part in the diocesan consultation process to promote a sense of communion and journeying together. Click on the resources below if you wish to participate as a group Listening and Discernment Guide Session I - Communion Listening and Discernment Guide Session II - Participation Listening and Discernment Guide Session III - Mission You may also wish to reflect on the synod questions as an individual: Individual Reflection Guide Questions for Reflection (English) In other languages: Arabic | Croatian | Filipino | Italian | Malayalam | Polish | Spanish (more languages to follow) You can make your submission to the Synod of Bishops by clicking on the button below. These responses will be sent to your diocese to form part of the diocesan contribution to the Synod of Bishops. SUBMIT YOUR RESPONSE HERE Other Resources Synod of Bishops prayer A4 Synod of Bishops prayer A5 Access the Synod of Bishops prayer in other languages Logo for Synod of Bishops Liturgical Suggestions for Opening of the Synod of Bishops in Australia Official Synod of Bishops website Preparatory document for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Vademecum (handbook) for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Synod of Bishops Social Media Toolkit The Synod of Bishops and the Plenary Council The Catholic Church in Australia is currently celebrating the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, with assemblies in October 2021 and July 2022. The Plenary Council and Synod of Bishops processes will overlap, and a national committee has created a timeline to explain how the processes will unfold. Click here to access the Synod of Bishops and Plenary Council timeline (updated November 18, 2021) News Local consultation opens for global Synod of Bishops -- ACBC Media Blog | October 19, 2021 Australian dioceses prepare for Synod of Bishops launch -- ACBC Media Blog | October 14, 2021 Experts see synod as ‘biggest consultation exercise in human history’ -- Crux | October 11, 2021 Australia has helped shape Synod of Bishops -- ACBC Media Blog | October 8, 2021 National committee begins work on Synod of Bishops process -- ACBC Media Blog | September 21, 2021 Australians to help prepare 2023 Synod -- CathNews | July 22, 2021 Information about the Synod of Bishops will be provided on this website. Check back regularly for updates.
