Synthesis Report unveils key insights from Archdiocesan Assembly

Canberra Hub Assembly participants

Last month, over 550 members of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn gathered to reflect on the theme “Come, Holy Spirit.”

This event was part of a larger Assembly Festival that included significant gatherings such as Fr. Mark Ha’s ordination, an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil, and the annual Marian Procession in Goulburn. These events focused on spiritual renewal within the community.

Two weeks after the Assembly, a Synthesis Report summarising findings derived from participants’ engagement was published.

This report summarises responses, focusing on the Assembly’s core theme and highlighting key elements of church life: encounter, discipleship, and mission.

The Assembly incorporated insights from thousands of online responses and reflections from over 100 small group gatherings, establishing a solid foundation for ongoing dialogue.

The report emphasised that the “theme of ‘Encounter’ centres on a profound personal experience of God through Jesus Christ.”

It highlighted that “participants consistently emphasised that these encounters are realised through relationships, community, and a sense of welcome.”

Newly ordained Fr Mark Ha participates in the ‘Conversations in the Spirit’ at the Archdiocesan Assembly.

Moreover, the report underscored the Archdiocese’s aim to “foster a community of encounter by reaching out, supporting others, and nurturing opportunities for prayer and spiritual formation.”

The report focused on discipleship, articulating that “discipleship recognises the community’s unity through faith in Jesus Christ and a shared baptismal vocation that enriches humanity.”

The Assembly encouraged the formation of young disciples through “youth ministries, school-parish partnerships, and intergenerational initiatives,” underscoring the importance of nurturing faith from an early age.

The synthesis report stated that “mission is active evangelisation,” calling on community members to engage proactively with marginalised communities.

It emphasised that “service extends beyond grand gestures to include everyday acts of kindness and support,” reinforcing parishioners’ integral role in embodying Christ’s teachings through actionable love.

While the Assembly was forward-looking, some divergences among community members were noted. “There was a perceived dichotomy between ‘society’ and ‘the Church,’ with concerns about inclusion and the Church’s relevance,” the report conveyed, highlighting the need for balanced dialogue moving forward.

Archbishop Prowse with local Ecumenical Leaders at the Ecumenical Prayer evening at St Christopher’s Cathedral

The recent Assembly provided a significant opportunity for discernment among the Archdiocese’s members. It encouraged self-reflection on personal faith journeys and served as a catalyst for continued dialogue on important spiritual themes.

In the aftermath of the Archdiocesan Assembly, the synthesis report underscores that “the path forward for the Archdiocese is one of reflection, dialogue, and community engagement.”

The report concluded by inviting parishes to explore how the Holy Spirit guides their communities today, aiming to strengthen connections among parishioners, enrich their spiritual lives, and build a vibrant, resilient community deeply rooted in faith.