For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission
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. Our Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn (CG), along with the Military Ordinariate of Australia (MOA) joined the universal Church in participating in the diocesan consultation process to promote a sense of communion and journeying together. Our Archbishop, Archbishop Christopher Prowse is currently also the Apostolic Administrator for the MOA.
The fundamental question that guided the consultation of the People of God was: A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together:” How is this “journeying together” happening today in our particular Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?
This synthesis is the result of the reflections that were undertaken by various individuals and groups within the Archdiocese and the MOA. These reflections then helped form the submissions that result in this synthesis report which will be presented to the Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference by Archbishop Prowse.
Download the 
Final Synthesis Report here.