Join the Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod Journey

Building a Listening Church in the Diocese of Victoria 
Bishop Gary Gordon invites you to embark on a journey of faith, listening, and discernment as we collectively shape the path forward for our Church community. This journey is part of a “synod”—an ancient Greek term meaning "coming together" or "travelling together." The Synod 2021-2024, called by Pope Francis, invited Catholics worldwide to re-learn what it means to be Church by fostering spaces of encounter and listening. Now the Diocese of Victoria is looking to nourish a similar process on an ongoing basis. 

Walking Together in Faith 
The Diocese of Victoria is carrying forward this spirit of coming together through the Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod (DPPS). This ongoing process will begin with its first cycle at a Fall Plenary meeting on November 30, 2024, at St. Andrew's Cathedral. 

Parish Listening Facilitators, trained in listening skills, along with the eight priest councillors and the Bishop’s Advisory Council, are set to gather, discuss and select questions that will shape this year’s journey. The day will begin with a Celebration of Mass at 9:30 am at the Cathedral, to open the Fall Plenary and celebrate the Diocesan Patronal Feast of St. Andrew—all are welcome to attend in-person or join via livestream: https://youtube.com/live/LwCINLh34jI?feature=share  

The Role of Parish Listening Facilitators 
After meeting on November 30th, the Listening Facilitators will host Listening Circles where the community can listen and share in Conversations in the Spirit, reflecting on questions crafted at the November Plenary. These circles aim to create respectful, non-judgmental, and welcoming environments for open dialogue. Through these listening moments, each parish will reflect on what matters most to their faith journey. 

The Power of Listening 
The foundation of a listening church begins with a profound commitment to understanding. The aim of this Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod is to harness the transformative power of empathetic listening. By approaching each story shared in our Listening Circles with only one objective—comprehension—we open ourselves to truly hear and understand the hearts of others. Listening without critique or agenda allows us to see beyond words, listening to the Holy Spirit to shape our community’s faith journey.

This practice won’t just enrich the individual connections of each Listening Circle; it will help build stronger relationships within our parishes and strengthen our collective mission as a diocese. Empathetic listening reduces miscommunication, fosters trust, and creates spaces where people feel valued and seen. In this way, we can build a future rooted in communion and participation, walking together in the mission of Christ. 

A Vision for Communion, Participation, and Mission 
After hosting these Listening Circles, facilitators will join all the clergy and diocesan leaders during Pentecost 2025 to review the outcomes of the Listening Circles. Together, they’ll reflect on insights from each parish, helping to shape decision-making at the parish and diocesan levels. The DPPS process will continue annually, ensuring a steady rhythm of listening, reflecting, and planning. 

Join Us on This Journey 
Whether you participate in a Listening Circle, reflect internally on your faith story, or support this process with prayer, your involvement matters. Listening Circles schedules will be announced in each parish after the Fall Plenary. 

Join us as we walk together in hope, discerning God’s will for the Church. Together, we can build a future grounded in listening, love, and a shared mission as the people of God.  Learn more about the Diocesan Permanent Pastoral Synod here: www.rcdvictoria.org/synod

All are welcome to attend Mass at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Victoria on November 30 at 9:30 am, either in-person or via the livestream: https://youtube.com/live/LwCINLh34jI?feature=share