XVI Ordinary Synod of Bishops 2023

Please find below a letter from Bishop Anthony Randazzo concerning a Synod Pope Francis has called for the whole Church. A synod is an assembly of the clergy and sometimes the laity to consider a Church matter. The theme of the Synod is how to journey together and to listen, hence the title given by Pope Francis is, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”

In addition to Bishop Anthony’s letter below, please find on this page, information, videos and links to help you understand the purpose and process for the Synod. Also included are links to keep you abreast of developments.

It is important to be aware that there are several related local Church initiatives in progress that affect our Diocese of Broken Bay. These are referred to in Bishop Anthony’s letter. These initiatives (with links to their websites) include –

• the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia (to address the question – What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?),
• discernment of the pastoral needs of the Central Coast,
• the Diocesan Pastoral Mission (the development of an implementation plan of six important priorities for our Diocese based upon Bishop Anthony’s Pastoral Letter in Advent 2020).