SYNOD 2026
FORMATION SESSIONS
Formational preparation for Synod Participants will take place over the 12 months between the synod convocation and synod gathering.
Monthly sessions will be offered to Synod participants with an online and in-person option. These sessions will include:
a presentation that explores key synodal concepts and the Synod themes (to be recorded and made available for public viewing).
engagement in prayer, scripture and theological concepts.
practice the listening and discernment process to be used at the Synod.
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SESSION 1: What is the Diocesan Synod?
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SESSION 2: The Spirituality of Synod
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SESSION 3: Discernment and Decision-Making
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SESSION 3: Video Presentation
Archbishop Shane Mackinlay and Chris Cotter (Director of Mission and Pastoral Life of the Diocese of Sandhurst), present on the topic of synodal discernment and decision-making based on local experience as well as examples from the 5th Australian Plenary Council and Synod on Synodality.
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SESSION 3: WORKSHEET
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SESSION 3: RESOURCES
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SESSION 4: The Holy Spirit as Protagonist
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SESSION 5: Forever a Member of Christ – Baptism and the People of God
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SESSION 5: Video Presentation
In this session guest presenter Fr Orm Rush discusses Baptism and the People of God, and we hear from three people about their experience with baptism. What does it mean to be called the People of God? What is the role of baptism in understanding our participation and responsibility to the Church and the wider world?
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SESSION 5: WORKSHEET
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SESSION 5: RESOURCES
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