Hundreds of people from across the archdiocese gathered in person and online on Saturday 1 November for the third meeting of the Archdiocesan Synodal Council (ASC) — the first presided over by Archbishop John Sherrington.

In his keynote address on the Feast of All Saints, Archbishop John expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Malcolm McMahon for “the insight and risk in deciding to hold a diocesan synod and create the structures for working in a more synodal way.” He quoted from Pope Leo XIV’s address to the Jubilee for Synodal Teams:

“The Synodal Process, as Pope Francis reminded us on numerous occasions, is to help the Church fulfil its primary role in the world, which is to be missionary, to announce the Gospel, to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world, to the ends of the earth, in words of the Gospel. Preaching, sharing, and living what Jesus Christ taught us.”

Reflecting on the Church’s call to renewal, he invited delegates to notice the “green shoots” of faith and growth across the archdiocese, saying, “Time is needed to allow others to join the journey; time is needed to heal the grief which results from change… The seed must fall into the ground so that the green shoots emerge in the springtime.”

The Archbishop drew on the final document from the Synod on Synodality in Rome, encouraging all the baptised to grow in “co-responsibility for the Church’s mission”. He highlighted the importance of formation, prayer, and creative opportunities for learning, adding that “financial transparency and good administration contribute positively to the climate for evangelisation.”

Among the key themes explored during the day were accompaniment, communication, formation, and engaging youth and families. Kate Wilkinson from Million Minutes introduced Adventurous Accompaniment, anew initiative that will form part of the archdiocesan strategy from 2026.“It’s about walking side by side,” she said, “not leading from the front or watching from the sidelines, but trusting the Holy Spirit to guide the journey.”

In his report, Mgr Philip Inch, Episcopal Vicar for Pastoral Organisation and Synod Implementation, noted progress across many areas since the last ASC, including youth ministry, clergy support, and the development of a Parish Development Strategy in several pilot deaneries. “We’re being inspired to have a new sense of life and mission,” he said. “If you’ve been part of this day in any way, you won’t go away without hope in your heart.”

That sense of hope was echoed by attendees. “It gives me great hope to see people of faith walking together in the same direction under the guidance of the same Spirit,” said ASC executive board member John Sullivan.

In his closing remarks, Archbishop John Sherrington said: “I have moved between various tables today and have been really encouraged by what I heard.  It has been an incredibly rich day.”

Archbishop John’s full keynote address can be read here: Archbishop John Sherrington's address to the Archdiocesan Synodal Council | News

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