XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
https://www.catholic.au/s/article/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 in October 2023 would be “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”.
The journey towards the celebration of the Synod opened in October 2021 in dioceses around the world and Pope Francis invited the entire Church to reflect on this theme that is decisive for its life and mission.
In May 2022, Australian dioceses published local reports on their consultation process. Based on those reports, and using content for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia relevant to the Synod, the National Centre for Pastoral Research prepared the Australian synthesis.
In October 2022, the Holy See released the Working Document for the Continental Stage . Each Continental region in the world was invited to engage with the document and, in April 2023, the Oceania response was published.
The first assembly of the Synod took place from 4-29 October 2023. Based on the discussions of those at the assembly, first, a Letter to the People of God was published, followed by the Synthesis Report.
In anticipation of the second assembly of the Synod due to occur in October 2024, bishops’ conferences have been tasked with consulting with their dioceses and leadership groups on the content of the Synthesis Report (see press release and guidelines).
Assembly Two
AUSTRALIAN CONSULTATION
The next step is further consultation at a national and local (diocesan) level in Australia and around the world, starting in February 2024 and resulting in a report in May.
Dioceses are coordinating the local level consultation, which reflects on relevant chapters of the Synthesis Report and focuses on “How can we be a synodal Church in mission?”
Each diocese has appointed a Diocesan Contact Person to manage the process. The list of diocesan coordinators will be made available next week.
The reflection guide provides guidance to groups as they consider the different contexts and circumstances of their communities and how they might best live the Gospel message in those situations. Groups are asked to return their responses to their Diocese Contact Person by Friday 29 March 2024.
Based on group responses, dioceses will prepare a Summary Report and an optional diocesan Testimony. The NCPR will collate the testimonies and analyse the reports to prepare the National Report for the Holy See in May 2024.
A national-level consultation has also been designed for established organisations to reflect on the relations between Churches, groupings of Churches and the Bishop of Rome. Responses from these consultations will also be included in the national report.
SECOND ASSEMBLY
The Second Assembly is due to take place in October 2024. Further details will be shared closer to the time.
NEWS ARTICLES
Vatican News reported on what is to come in terms of the process
The latest details on the Synod process from the Vatican can be found here.