Preparation for Synod Assembly phase

This preparation phase from July 2002 to May 2003 included the following:

• the Archbishop invited those nominated to accept membership of the Synod Assembly;
• Writing Teams were formed and they developed a first draft of the synod papers from the material received from the consultation phase;
• St Bernard's Parish and the adjoining Clairvaux Mackillop College complex at Upper Mt Gravatt were selected as venue for the Synod Assembly.

Rev Dr Dave Pascoe led the Writing Teams

In collating and synthesising all the material received the Synod Research and Writing Working Group identified 10 key Action Foci and drew all of the material received during the consultation period into a single document called "Outcomes of Synod Consultation". The 10 Key Action Foci were:

• Educating in Faith;
• Building Communities of Faith;
• Engaging and Connecting with Young People;
• Celebrating Liturgy;
• Deepening Spirituality;
• Serving in Ministry;
• Effective Communication;
• Christian Mission in Daily Life;
• Working for Justice, and
• Strengthening Ecumenical and Interfaith Collaboration.

St Bernard's, Upper Mt Gravatt - Synod venue

On Saturday 12 October 2002 all members of the Archdiocesan Synod were invited to attend the first of two Synod Preparation Days. Prior to coming to the Preparation Day members were asked to complete a worksheet based on the document "Outcomes of Synod Consultation". The Preparation Day involved input to members at plenary sessions, small group work and plenary discussions. At the end of the day members were asked to take away a "workbook" that was to be completed and returned to the Synod Preparatory Commission.

The ten action foci were now reduced to seven. The Synod Research and Writing Group next developed 7 sample broad action proposals based on responses from the first Synod Preparation Day.

A second Synod Preparation Day was held on 22 March 2003. Synod members were randomly assigned to discuss one of the seven sample broad action proposals in small and plenary group sessions.

The Writing Group then developed 7 draft Broad Action Proposals for use at the Synod Assembly.

DOCUMENTATION