Pastoral Priorities
Guiding the pastoral life and mission of the Diocese of Townsville
In June 2026, the Third Diocesan Synod brought together clergy, religious and lay faithful from across the Diocese, following months of listening in parishes, schools, agencies and ministries.
Bishop Tim Harris received the fruits of that discernment and, on 29 June 2026, promulgated three pastoral priorities for the Diocese. These priorities are not a separate programme alongside the ordinary life of the Church. They provide a shared direction for how we pray, serve, welcome, form disciples and carry out the mission of Christ in North Queensland.
Our Three Priorities
- Towards a Culture of Formation and Spiritual Growth
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”
— John 10:10
Formation is the lifelong deepening of Christian life and discipleship through a living relationship with Jesus Christ. It is more than passing on information or preparing people for a particular sacramental moment. It is shaped by prayer, Scripture, Catholic teaching, liturgy, service, witness and participation in the Church’s mission.
In this priority, the Diocese will:
- review and strengthen formation already taking place across the Diocese;
- develop practical resources for prayer and spiritual growth;
- provide formation in a range of settings and formats; and
- deepen liturgical formation so that people may participate more fully in the Mass and connect worship with daily life.
- Towards a Culture of Accompanying Families with Young Children
“Let the children come to me, and do not stop them.”
— Matthew 19:14
Families with young children are part of the Church’s life now. They are to be welcomed in the real circumstances of their lives, with patience, mercy, practical support and the nearness of Christ.
Baptism and sacramental preparation are particular moments of encounter and invitation. They are not isolated occasions, but beginnings of relationship, formation and belonging.
In this priority, the Diocese will:
- make it easier for families to find the support, ministries and opportunities already available;
- strengthen relationships between parishes, schools, agencies and ministries;
- develop practical resources for parents, caregivers and grandparents; and
- support children’s ministry and liturgical experiences in which children can genuinely participate.
The safety, dignity and healing of children and vulnerable people are integral to this welcome and remain a responsibility shared by the whole Diocese.
- Towards a Culture of Synodality
“Jesus himself came near and went with them.”
— Luke 24:15
Synodality is not an additional programme. It is a way of being Church: growing in communion with Christ, sharing responsibility as baptised people, listening for the Holy Spirit and discerning together how the Gospel is to be lived here and now.
It calls us to communicate not merely by distributing information, but by building relationships through which people can listen, learn, contribute and be accountable to one another.
In this priority, the Diocese will:
- strengthen communication and two-way listening;
- review how our structures, practices and relationships serve Christ’s mission;
- form priests, lay leaders, educators and the wider People of God in synodal practice and discernment;
- establish a Diocesan Pastoral Council; and
- hold a future diocesan gathering within five years to renew the Diocese’s pastoral priorities.
From Direction to Practice
The Synod’s General Directive requires each priority to have clear responsibility, appropriate human and financial resources, realistic milestones and regular public reporting to the People of God.
During 2026, parishes, schools, agencies and ministries are undertaking a local review to reflect on these priorities: to recognise what is already bearing fruit, name what needs attention and identify the next faithful steps.
This work will help prepare the Diocese for its 2027 Evaluation Assembly.
The Final Document
The priorities, declarations and directives were promulgated by Bishop Tim Harris on the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, 29 June 2026.
About the Third Diocesan Synod
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On the Way is the electronic newsletter of the Office for Synodality and Mission. It shares news, stories, events and resources from parishes, schools, agencies and ministries across the Diocese.
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(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.