Synod 2026
The Third Diocesan Synod was held from 11–13 June 2026, marking the first Diocesan Synod since 1958. This significant moment in the life of the Diocese responded to the pastoral needs of our local Church through prayer, listening, discernment, and consultation. Bringing together clergy, religious, and lay faithful, the Synod sought to discern how we are called to more faithfully live the mission of Christ in our time.The Synod was the culmination of a six-month listening process that engaged parish communities, Catholic schools, ministries, pastoral and mission councils, and individuals across the Diocese. Through local conversations and online submissions, thousands of voices contributed to a shared discernment of the hopes, challenges, and opportunities facing our Diocese.
From this process, three pastoral priorities were prayerfully discerned, each accompanied by recommendations for implementation. These priorities provide a clear direction for the Diocese as we continue to grow as missionary disciples and strengthen our local Church.
The Final Document brings together the fruits of the listening process, the discernment of the Synod gathering, and the practical wisdom of Synod members. It offers a framework to guide the Diocese's pastoral mission in the years ahead.
Explanatory Preamble and Decree
Our Diocesan Pastoral Priorities:
1. Towards a Culture of Formation and Spiritual Growth
2. Towards a Culture of Accompanying Families with Young Children
3. Towards a Culture of Synodality
266-270 Stanley Street
(PO Box 6149) Townsville, Qld 4810
The Catholic Diocese of Townsville acknowledges the occupation and care of the land, waterways and sea by Traditional Custodians and their continual cultural connection to Country as expressed through their history, music, language, songs, art and dancing. We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as having the oldest continuing cultures on the planet.