In May 2021 we invited all people in the Archdiocese to respond to the question “what do you think are the most important things to be discussed at the Diocesan Assembly?” The responses to this question, along with the local responses to the Plenary Council questions, “What do you think God is asking of us in Australia at this time?” formed the agenda for the 2021 Diocesan Assembly.

Over 1500 responses were collected from individuals and groups through an online form and reply-paid postcard campaign.

At the Diocesan Assembly, over 450 people gathered over three days to pray, listen, dialogue and discern around the six discussion themes developed from the consultation (Inclusion and Healing; Leadership and Leadership Formation; Faith Formation and Spiritual Development; Parish Life and Liturgy; A Church that Listens and Responds to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor; Outreach and Accompaniment of Children, Families and Young People). 60 small groups developed 255 recommendations for the Archdiocese and its parishes, schools, communities and agencies. The Diocesan Assembly was also an opportunity to prepare for the first session of the Plenary Council and call for membership of the new interim Diocesan Pastoral Council.

The Interim Diocesan Pastoral Council was established as one of the goals of the Diocesan Assembly. The initial work of this interim council is to develop a vision and mission statement for the Archdiocese based on the discernment of the recommendations of the Diocesan Assembly; establish a Terms of Reference for the formalized Diocesan Pastoral Council; to discuss issues of pastoral importance with the Archbishop and diocesan leadership; and discern the key priorities and strategic actions for the archdiocese.

All Catholic parishes, schools, communities and agencies in the Archdiocese of Adelaide were invited to reflect on the 255 recommendations of the 2021 Diocesan Assembly, provide feedback on the top priorities for the Diocese and for one’s own community/context. The purpose of this process was to provide information to shape the discernment of key priorities and actions for the whole diocese as well as to restate the responsibility each community has to responding to the recommendations.

The feedback process was a continuation of the practices of listening, dialogue and discernment that we have been engaged in over the past few years. The intention was for people to engage in listening, dialogue and discernment with a group (as small as two people or as large as an entire community) either face to face or online.

The feedback process was divided into three parts:1) Pre-Gathering; 2) Gathering; 3) Post-Gathering. Over 1700 people in parishes, schools, communities and other groups participated in the feedback process.

Between the feedback step and the 2022 Diocesan Assembly in October, parishes, schools, communities and agencies were asked to develop strategies which will assist each community in responding to the recommendations they identified in feedback process. These strategies were be compiled for 2022 Diocesan Assembly. It also served as an important step in strategic and pastoral planning for parishes, schools, communities and agencies.

The 2022 Diocesan Assembly took place on 21 and 22 October 2022 at Nazareth Catholic College in Flinders Park.

At the Assembly, participants worked on the first steps of a strategic plan for mission in their own context. The Archdiocese has pledged support for local work. It was also announced that in 2023 Regional Assemblies would take place to continue local discernment, collaboration and support.

For more information on what took place at the 2022 Assembly and to access the resources, click the button below.

There is a lot of work ahead both at the local and diocesan level.

‘Walking Together Groups’ are being established so that those who attended the Diocesan Assembly may continue the discussions, sharing and mutual support (click the button below for more information).

The Diocesan Pastoral Council will be formalized after the 2022 Diocesan Assembly new members will be added to the DPC. The work of the DPC will flow from the outcomes of the Diocesan Assembly.

Regional Assemblies and Parish Assemblies help to localise the outcomes of the Diocesan Assemblies, Plenary Council and Global Synod.

We will also prepare with the whole of the Catholic Church for the Global Synod on Synodality. Archbishop O’Regan has been selected as one of the Australian bishop delegates to participate in the 2023/2024 Synod.