Bishop Michael Kennedy’s recent letter to the Diocese about synodality and our developing governance framework has been recognised as ‘good practice’ by the Vatican’s Synod Office on their social media channels and resources webpage. 

For many years, the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has been deeply committed to walking together in faith, prayer, and shared discernment. This commitment is at the heart of synodality, a way of being Church in which all members of the Church – clergy, religious, and laity – participate in discernment and dialogue, guided by the Holy Spirit.

The new governance structure considers both civil and church law, and is designed to foster greater collaboration, transparency and synodal leadership. 

Over coming months, we look forward to inviting a significant group of voices into the important next phase establishing our Councils and Advisory Boards.

The various advisory boards and councils that will make up our new governance structure will operate in a synodal mode.

Synodality is a whole of Diocese approach and we acknowledge it occurs at several levels in our Diocesan community.  

What is a synodal structure?

A synodal structure simply means working together. What is important for our Church is that the layers of our structure of Advisory Boards and Councils are also interconnected. The intention is for the Councils and Advisory Boards to operate in a synodal way, being heard in their areas of expertise and providing advice to the Bishop and Trustees for critical discernment.