^{Archbishop Costelloe speaks at the Assembly Formation Day, 23 September 2023. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.}

By Joseph Younes

The Perth Catholic community is being invited to dedicate the weekend of Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July to prayer for the upcoming Archdiocesan Assembly.

Vicar General, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn said parishes, agencies and communities across the Archdiocese are invited to pray the Archdiocesan Assembly prayer at all Masses. This prayer has been sent out to all parishes and communities.

The first-ever Archdiocesan Assembly for Perth, will be held on Saturday 13 July 2024. 

This significant event follows a day of formation held for all delegates on 23 September 2023, setting the stage for extensive discernment and preparation over the last nine months. 

An Archdiocesan Assembly
An Archdiocesan Assembly is a gathering of nominated clergy, religious, and lay representatives from across diocese to discuss and deliberate on matters of pastoral importance. 

The assembly serves as a platform for dialogue, decision-making, and planning, aiming to support and advise the diocesan bishop. It operates within the framework provided by Canon Law, focusing on investigating, considering, and formulating practical strategies for pastoral works and initiatives with the diocese.

Vicar General and Vicar for Education, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, explained the core focus for the coming Assembly for the Archdiocese of Perth.

"The Assembly centres on establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) that reflects the way of synodality, as emphasised by Pope Francis." A DPC, as outlined in Canon Law, is a consultative body offering support and advice to the Bishop. 

Here, the aim is to create a council that embodies "synodality," a collaborative approach encouraging participation from clergy, religious figures, and lay Catholics.

_{Vicar General and Vicar for Education, the Very Rev Fr Vincent Glynn, explained the core focus for the coming Assembly for the Archdiocese of Perth. Photo: Ron Tan.}

A Journey of Listening and Discernment
The road to the Archdiocesan Assembly officially began Sunday 4 June 2023 with the official launch at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Following the selection of delegates in collaboration with Parish Priests, a Formation Day was held in September which saw Delegates – priests, deacons, parishioners, and representatives from various Catholic organisations – coming together to hear, listen and discern the way forward. 

Delegates heard presentations from Archbishop Costelloe, Fr Vincent and Dr Carmel Suart on the Assembly's purpose, DPC as defined by Canon Law and the understanding of what it means to be a synodal church.

Following this, delegates embarked on a crucial phase: Listening and Discernment sessions.
"Discernment necessitates deep prayer, reflection, and open sharing," says Fr Vincent.
"These sessions, held across the archdiocese, provided ongoing formation focused on three key themes: Communion, Mission, and Participation." These pillars, Fr Vincent emphasises, are "intertwined and dynamic, each enriching the others."

The Sessions: A Deeper Dive
The Listening and Discernment sessions were designed to foster open dialogue and capture the "voice of the Holy Spirit." 

Fr Vincent describes this process as "communal discernment," drawing inspiration from the Ignatian tradition. Through prayer, contemplation, and shared experiences, delegates practiced listening and discernment in preparation for the Assembly.

According to the Fr Vincent, the listening and discernment sessions have been integral in in preparing delegates for the assembly.

“It is through this communal discernment that we capture the voice of the Holy Spirit and prepare for the Assembly,” he explained.

^{Delegates from across the Archdiocese, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, will gather to ensure that the voice of every member is heard and valued in the Church's mission and ministry. Photo: Jamie O’Brien.}
 

What Has Happened So Far?
The formation day on 23 September 2023 included presentations on the nature and purpose of an Archdiocesan Assembly and a DPC. Delegates received insights into Canon Law, synodality, and the principles of deep listening and communal discernment. 

Following this, the delegates embarked on a series of Listening and Discernment sessions across the Archdiocese, focusing on the themes of Communion, Mission, and Participation—pillars of a synodal church as emphasised by Pope Francis.

Fr Vincent emphasised the Assembly is not just a meeting.

“It is a manifestation of our collective journey towards a more synodal Church. We are called to listen deeply, discern wisely, and act justly, guided by the Holy Spirit."

“The Archdiocese of Perth's Archdiocesan Assembly is a landmark event, reflecting a commitment to synodality and communal discernment,” Fr Vincent continued.

“It embodies the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Council of the Catholic Church in Australia and aligns with Pope Francis' vision for a more inclusive and participatory and missionary Church. 

“Delegates from across the Archdiocese, representing diverse backgrounds and perspectives, will gather to ensure that the voice of every member is heard and valued in the Church's mission and ministry,” he concluded.