social media post<\/a> said the bishop invites the faithful to \u201cembrace this vision more fully,\u201d fostering a Church that listens, learns, and acts together in the service of the Gospel.<\/p>\nWhat\u2019s in the plan?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
According to Kennedy\u2019s missive, titled \u201cLetter on Synodality and the New Diocesan Governance Framework for the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle,\u201d changes will be implemented on four levels.\u00a0<\/p>\n
First, a diocesan pastoral council will be formed to lead the diocese\u2019s synodal process through the revitalization of its pastoral planning cycle, which the letter said had been paused due to the death of Bishop Bill Wright in 2021. \u201cThe pastoral planning cycle allows significant synodal engagement in the future direction of the diocese,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will be a significant milestone in our synodal journey,\u201d Kennedy added, \u201cbut not its conclusion \u2014 the synodal journey is ever ongoing.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The pastoral planning cycle will also be implemented on a parish level, \u201cadapted to the circumstances of each community,\u201d Kennedy said, noting: \u201cIt is intended that the 2025 revised statuses for parish pastoral and finance councils will assist.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The diocesan curia will be restructured to reflect synodal \u201cstructures of participation.\u201d Namely, Kennedy emphasized that \u201cthe governance of the bishops\u2019 role has to be constitutional, follow the laws and customs of our Church, and be consultative (synodal); hearing those who need to be heard before decisions are made, which in some instances also requires receiving consent before acting.\u201d The letter does not clarify what instances would constitute such procedures.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Lastly, the plan stipulates the formation of \u201cnew advisory groups that will adopt synodal working methods.\u201d The groups will include three civil councils and four canonical councils. Among the civil councils will be the bishop\u2019s senior leadership group, a governance council, and a safeguarding council. Canonical councils include a council of priests, pastoral council, college of consultors, and a finance council.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The advisory groups will provide advice to the bishop and diocesan trustees \u201cfor critical discernment\u201d in their respective areas of expertise, Kennedy\u2019s letter said.<\/p>\n
A call to action<\/h2>\n
\u201cIn the coming months, we will invite expressions of interest from those who feel called to contribute their insight, skills, and experience as members of these advisory boards and councils,\u201d Kennedy wrote.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether your background is in pastoral life, education, social services, finance, governance, community leadership, or good plain commonsense problem-solving and decision-making,\u201d he continued, \u201cyour perspective can help us faithfully serve our communities into the future.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Maitland-Newcastle bishop concluded the letter noting more information about the nature and scope of the advisory groups will be posted to the diocese\u2019s website in the near future.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI thank you for your ongoing commitment to the life and mission of our diocese,\u201d he wrote. \u201cTogether, guided by the Holy Spirit, we will continue our journey as a local Church, faithful to the Lord\u201d and focused on synodal listening, communion in faith and love, and mission to spread the Gospel.<\/p>\n
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