The Archdiocese of Perth has developed a comprehensive Final Report for the Archdiocesan Assembly, signalling a bold step toward implementing synodality and co-responsibility.
The Diocesan Assembly, convened by Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, aimed to re-establish a Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) after a hiatus since 1994.
The initiative marks a turning point for the Archdiocese – aligning it with the global and national Church community in advocating for broader inclusivity, formation, collaboration, and pastoral outreach.
Foundation for Renewal
The 2023-2024 Assembly took place following the conclusion of Australia’s Fifth Plenary Council in 2022, which underscored the need for renewed governance structures across the Church in Australia.
Drawing inspiration from Decree 7 of the Plenary Council, Archbishop Costelloe emphasised the importance of listening, discernment, and synodality as essential principles guiding the formation of the DPC.
Preparation for the Assembly involved an extensive year-long process of formation, rooted in the Ignatian spiritual tradition. A day-long formation meeting was held at Newman College on 23 September 2023, focused on the process of listening and discernment.
In the months that followed, delegates continued to engage in prayer, reflective discussions, and communal discernment, culminating in the Assembly on 13 July 2024, at Newman College, Perth.
Themes of the Assembly
The Assembly’s deliberations centred on three thematic pillars:
- Communion: Enhancing unity within the Archdiocese by fostering stronger connections among clergy, religious, and lay faithful.
- Mission: Reinforcing evangelization efforts and outreach to marginalized groups.
- Participation: Encouraging the active involvement of all baptized members in the life and mission of the Church.
In his closing address at the Assembly on 13 July, Archbishop Costelloe reiterated Pope Francis’ call for a synodal Church that reflects collaboration and shared responsibility.
“Pope Francis is very insistent on his belief that the Lord at this stage in our history, is inviting us very consciously and very deliberately, to become a missionary oriented church,” Archbishop Costelloe explained.
A Church, emphasised Archbishop Costelloe, which looks outward to what we can do for others, rather than a Church that looks always inward to how we can shore up our falling numbers or something like that.
“And maybe, if we shift from a maintenance approach to the Church to a missionary approach to the church, the beauty of our faith in the attractiveness of the Christian gospel will become more obvious to more people.
“And all of a sudden, the Church will begin to grow in numbers,” he said.
Key Outcomes
With the Final Report of the Assembly now complete, several critical insights and recommendations, based on the listening and discernment, have become apparent.
- Inclusivity and Diversity: That the Church look at how we can create a welcoming environment for marginalised communities, including indigenous Australians, migrants, and those feeling alienated by past challenges, such as the sexual abuse crisis.
- Youth Engagement: Recognising the urgency of attracting younger generations, the Assembly called for innovative approaches to youth ministry and education.
- Role of Women: Delegates advocated for greater recognition and involvement of women in decision-making roles within the Church.
- Formation and Education: Comprehensive faith formation for clergy and laity alike was identified as essential for fostering a missionary and service-oriented Church.
Listening and Discernment in Practice
Delegates engaged in robust discussions during the Assembly, reflecting on questions such as the pastoral priorities for the DPC and the qualities necessary in its members.
Synodality remained central to these dialogues, with a strong emphasis on prayerful listening and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Tara Peters, Chief Mission Integration Officer at St John of God Health Care, facilitated the listening sessions, ensuring a collaborative and respectful exchange of ideas.
Looking Ahead
The Report outlines the next steps for the DPC, including drafting statutes to govern its operations and ensuring diverse representation among its members.
Co-chaired by Bishop Don Sproxton and Debra Sayce, with Tony Giglia serving as Executive Officer, the newly formed Implementation Advisory Group will oversee the next critical phase, with an aim to have the DPC operational by mid-2025.
In closing remarks of the Assembly, Archbishop Costelloe thanked the delegates for their dedication, noting the significance of their collective journey.
“This Assembly is not an endpoint but a beginning,” he said.
“Together, we are building a Church that listens, accompanies, and brings Christ’s love to all.”
In summary, the Final Report reflects an Archdiocese at a crossroads, deeply committed to renewal and inclusivity.
For more information and to access the full report, visit the Archdiocesan Assembly website at perthcatholic.org.au.
Delegates have received a copy of the final report and a synthesis of the data that was collected as a result of the listening and discernment sessions at the assembly.