Journeying as One Stories, reflections and updates on our synodal journey. Accompanying one another in the life and mission of the Church.
Issue 2 August 2026
In this edition! As we move towards the Ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican in October 2028, we enter the Re-collecting stage. This is a time to pause and look back with gratitude: What can we celebrate and share more widely? What is only just beginning? Where do we still need to go? Ahead of our Diocesan Assembly in the first half of 2027, this stage invites us to recognise the fruits of the journey so far while remaining open to what is still unfolding. In this edition, we hear from the Parish of Frenchs Forest and their synodal approach to developing a new Seniors Ministry on the Northern Beaches, an example of how listening, discernment, and shared participation can lead to new possibilities for our communities. In each edition of Journeying as One, we will also hear from Rev Dr Biju Jose OSH, who will offer a theological reflection to accompany us as we continue to deepen our understanding and lived experience of being a synodal Church. Read his first reflection below. Patti Beattie Head of Pastoral Discernment and Accompaniment, Broken Bay
Synodality through a theological lens Reflection by Rev Dr Biju Jose OSH In this edition, Fr Biju explores:
The Biblical Images of the Church.
The Church is the living mystery of God's saving plan, born from the Father's eternal love, founded in Jesus Christ, and continually enlivened by the Holy Spirit. Sacred Scripture reveals this mystery through a rich tapestry of biblical images, each unveiling a unique dimension of the Church's identity, communion, and mission.
She is the Bride of Christ (Eph 5:25–32), loved with an everlasting covenant and invited to respond in faithful love. She is the Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16–17), where God dwells among His people. Scripture also presents the Church as the Household or Family of God (Eph 2:19), the Pilgrim People journeying towards the Kingdom (1 Pet 2:11), the Flock of Christ (Jn 10:11–16), and the Vine and the Branches (Jn 15:1–8). Together, these images reveal the depth and beauty of the Church’s mystery, vocation and communion.
The Second Vatican Council teaches that the Church is the sacrament of communion with God and of the unity of the whole human race. This vision provides the foundation of synodality. A synodal Church journeys, listens, discerns, and shares responsibility together in fulfilling the mission entrusted by Christ. May these biblical images deepen our The Church is the People of God (1 Pet 2:9–10), called and appreciation of the Church’s mystery and renew our chosen to proclaim God's mighty deeds. She is the Body of commitment to living as a synodal people. Christ (1 Cor 12:12–27), in which every baptised person is united with Christ and with one another through a diversity In our next edition, Fr Biju explores synodality through the lens of gifts and ministries. of ‘The Church: The Family of God.’
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What matters is not multiplying the number of meetings, but learning to create encounters in which, by listening to one another, we learn together to listen to the Lord. Pope Leo XIV. Consistory of Cardinals, June 2026
News and Updates Towards the Ecclesial Assemblies 2027–2028: Our Journey Continues From Implementation to Recollecting: Continuing Our Synodal Journey In our July edition of Journeying as One, we explored the Implementation Phase of the Synod on Synodality. Implementation is not about introducing another program or completing a checklist. Rather, it is about allowing the vision of a synodal Church to become part of the ordinary life of our parishes, ministries and communities, a life shaped by listening, discernment, participation, and our shared responsibility. We are invited to consider and to prayerfully ask, "Where is the Holy Spirit leading us?"
This period of recollection will lead us towards our Diocesan Assembly in the first half of 2027. Like the wider synodal journey, our Assembly will not simply be a planning exercise; it will be an opportunity to listen deeply to one another, to discern together, and to identify the pastoral priorities that will shape the next chapter of our diocesan mission. By taking time to prayerfully recollect before we plan, we place our trust in the Holy Spirit, allowing our future direction to emerge from what God has already been stirring among us.
As we continue this journey, the universal Church is inviting every local Church into the Recollecting stage. This is a time to pause, to notice, and to prayerfully gather the fruits of the journey so far. Recollecting is more than looking back on what has been done; it is a process of discerning what the Holy Spirit has been revealing through our experiences of implementation. It calls us to recognise the signs of growth and renewal, acknowledge the challenges we have encountered, and identify the questions that continue to emerge as we seek to become a more synodal Church.
Further information will be shared with clergy and parish leadership teams as planning unfolds. We ask that you continue to hold this journey in prayer, trusting that as we walk together, the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and renew our Church.
For the Diocese of Broken Bay, this Recollecting stage aligns naturally with our own diocesan journey. In the coming months, clergy, leadership teams, ministry teams and communities will be invited into opportunities for prayerful reflection and communal discernment as we begin gathering the fruits of our local experience. These conversations will help us recognise where the Holy Spirit has been at work across our Diocese and where we sense God may be calling us next.
2024
The Final Document
There are four distinct stages as we journey towards the Ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican in 2028. 1: RECOLLECTING | First half of 2027 Diocesan Assembly 2: INTERPRETING | Second semester 2027 National Assembly 3: ORIENTING | First quarter of 2028 Continental Assembly 4: CELEBRATING | Assembly in Rome, Oct 2028
Want to read more? Download Towards the Assemblies 2027 - 2028
2025-26
2027
Implementation Phase
Local Diocesan and National Assemblies
2028
Continental Assembly and Celebration Ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican October 2028
Supports and Resources Where do I start? What might I need to consider?
Accompaniment Guide
If your parish is interested in exploring what it means to journey more synodally but you're unsure where to start, the Accompaniment Guide provides an excellent starting point. Designed as a practical resource, it helps parish communities begin conversations, reflect together, and discern simple, meaningful steps forward. Whether you would like support in introducing the Accompaniment Guide, facilitating parish conversations, or simply discussing how the resource might be used within your community, reach out to begin the conversation. PDA@bbcatholic.org.au
“It is not a matter of talking about synodality, but of seeking how to live it in the ordinary life of our Churches.” Card. Mario Grech In his recent address to the Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conference in Indonesia, 2026.
The Final Document For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission Have you explored the Final Document?
The Final Document of the Synod, For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission, is not simply a document to read; it is an invitation to prayerfully reflect on how the Holy Spirit is calling the Church today. Have you considered breaking open the Final Document with your parish? The Final Document of the Synod offers a rich opportunity for parish communities, ministry groups, and leadership teams to prayerfully reflect on how the Holy Spirit is inviting us to live as a synodal Church Whether you're looking for an introduction to the Final Document, a facilitated conversation, or guidance in discerning practical next steps, support is available to accompany your community on the journey. If your parish would like to begin exploring the document together, reach out to Patti at PDA@bbcatholic.org.au Another wonderful option is the School for Synodality's Reading the Final Document Together Book Club, which provides an accessible and engaging way for groups to journey through the document together. It offers a structured process for prayer, reflection, and conversation, making it an excellent resource for parish leadership teams, pastoral councils, ministry groups, and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of synodality.
Visit the newly designed webpage https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/pastoral-discernmentand-accompaniment/pastoral-discernment
Sharing our Journey Sharing Our Journey is a space to celebrate and learn from the many ways parishes across our Diocese are living out the call to be a synodal Church.
SENIORS MINISTRY
A Synodal Reflection ~ Parish of Frenchs Forest Reflection prepared by Susanne Bragge
Our Discernment Journey After reflecting on the Northern Beaches Pastoral Discernment project Pastoral Letter, Archbishop Anthony Randazzo invited our Deanery to consider how we could better engage and support the senior members of our parish. In late January, an initial meeting was held with key senior parishioners to discuss the possibility of establishing a Seniors Ministry within the parish and across the Deanery. Using a synodal approach, the group listened to the thoughts, ideas, and needs of the senior community and gathered suggestions for activities and support.
A second meeting bought together a core group of interested parishioners to develop these ideas and chart a new direction for the ministry. The group focused on identifying ways to serve the needs of seniors within our parish while also creating opportunities for fellowship, connection, and participation in parish life. The process again followed a synodal approach: listening to those the ministry was intended to serve, remaining grounded in prayer and attentive to the Holy Spirit. Listening to the voices of our people Our first gathering was an invitation to participate in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. This event was chosen because it is a well-recognised community initiative and provided an excellent opportunity to attract seniors and encourage participation. As part of the event a Mobile Physical Coach was invited to lead the seniors in some simple exercises for mobility and stability. This was greatly welcomed by the people who attended the morning tea. The event was attended by 65 senior parishioners. This number far exceeded our expectations. The gathering provided a welcoming environment for people to meet, socialise, and share their ideas for the future of the ministry.
PHOTO: Listening to the voices of parishioners.
PHOTO: Frenchs Forest Parish Seniors Ministry, spirit-led process.
What we heard During the morning tea, discussion took place regarding the needs and expectations of seniors within the parish. Participants expressed a desire for opportunities to meet regularly, build friendships, reduce social isolation, enjoy speakers on relevant topics, engage in faithbased activities, and remain actively involved in parish life. Our journey forward-discernment to action: Regular social gatherings and morning teas, Guest speakers on topics of interest to seniors, Faith formation and prayer opportunities, Outings and excursions, Opportunities for seniors to share their gifts and experience within the parish community, and Developing support networks for those who may be isolated or in need of assistance. The feedback received was overwhelmingly positive and confirmed the value of establishing a dedicated Seniors Ministry. Planning is now underway to develop a regular program of activities that will respond to the needs identified and strengthen connections among senior parishioners.
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The Seniors Ministry has begun positively, with strong interest and participation. Listening to and discerning the needs of our senior parishioners has been encouraging and inspiring. Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea provided a strong foundation for future activities and highlighted the value of creating opportunities for listening to each other, fellowship, support, and spiritual growth for older members of our parish community through a synodal lens.