One participant described it as an “adventure”. Another called it “hopeful”. Others chose words like “transformative”, “life-giving”, and “encouraging”.

While each person experienced the event differently, one clear theme emerged from the recent Toowoomba Diocesan Synod: a sense that the Catholic community across the Diocese is moving forward together.

Held on 22 through 24 October, the three-day gathering at St Patrick’s Cathedral Centre Toowoomba brought together more than 100 people from across the Diocese to pray, listen, reflect, and discern the future direction of the local Church. The gathering marked a significant milestone in a process that has been in detailed planning for over 18 months and in the making for years.

The Synod Assembly formed the next stage in the Diocese’s journey, moving from listening and discernment to decisions and directions. Through the earlier months of the year, people from parishes, schools and communities across the Diocese participated in listening sessions. Here they shared their experiences of Church life, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future. Those conversations and the data gathered in the process provided the foundation for the Assembly discussions.

Across the Diocese, the process has sought to answer not only what people are saying, but primarily what God may be asking of the Diocese in response. As the listening phase concluded, three Working Groups were called to each consider one of the strongest themes emerging from those conversations and discern where the Holy Spirit may be leading the local Church.

For members of the Synod Advisory Committee, reaching this point represented the culmination of countless hours of preparation, prayer and collaboration. While the journey to this moment had been challenging and all-consuming at times, reaching the synod event was ultimately incredibly rewarding and very positive. Synod Moderator Rachel Pingel has been working tirelessly during planning and implementation doing a great job of pulling together everything from the data gathered to the Synod Assembly itself.

For Advisory Committee member Fr Nathan Webb, the journey to the Synod Assembly was well worth the investment of time, prayer and heart. “It was necessary now to have the faithful gather in assembly; it would have been impossible to glean such insight if we had not been in the room together sharing, changeling, and celebrating. Together, following the Conversations in the Spirit formula, genuine progress was made.”

At the heart of the process was the synodal practice known as Conversations in the Spirit. Rather than focusing on debate or voting blocs, participants were invited to listen deeply to one another, reflect prayerfully and remain open to where the Holy Spirit might be calling the Diocese.

“It has been an immense privilege to facilitate our diocesan Synod. It is a process that is new to many of our people and as such has required a high degree of trust and vulnerability.” Said Synod Facilitator Sally Hood. “Witnessing the fruit of synodality unfold over these days has been evident – the sense of unity and a commitment to a common vision for mission feels tangible, and for this I am very grateful.”

Throughout those conversations, common themes emerged. Participants expressed a desire for deeper faith formation, renewed attention to young people and families, leadership that encourages participation and collaboration, and a Church confident in its mission beyond its own walls. These themes formed the basis for three key priority areas, Our Life, Our Mission and Our Future. Which were broken down further into recommendations around these central themes. Synod Members held further Conversations in the Spirit around the recommendations that were then voted on by Synod Members.

Synod Members represented diverse communities and experiences, yet gathered with a shared commitment to prayerful discernment and a common desire to contribute to the future of the Diocese.

Importantly, organisers have emphasised that synodality is not about finding the most popular answers. Rather, it is about listening deeply enough that, among many different voices, the Church can begin to recognise where God is calling it next.

For Bishop Ken Howell, one of the most encouraging aspects of the journey has been the willingness of people across the Diocese to engage with the process.

“I think it’s amazing, and the thing that’s inspired me so much is the fact that so many people are here and on-side with the process,” Bishop Ken said.

The success of the Synod Assembly was also due to the dedication of Diocesan staff and volunteers who contributed to the practical planning and organisation of the day. The opening Mass and moments of prayer were coordinated by the Liturgy Subcommittee, led by Advisory Committee member Mary Schwartz, with the support of musicians, singers and volunteers. Sincere gratitude goes to everyone who played a part in bringing the Synod Assembly together.

While there is still work to be done, the Synod has already achieved something significant: bringing people together from across the Diocese to listen differently, to hear one another’s stories and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.