Catholic Outlook Magazine | September Edition | Season of Creation | 2023 Issue

Participants are seen during the Western Deanery Synod Consultation
session at Holy Spirit Parish, St Clair. Image: Diocese of Parramatta.
As our entire community took courageous steps to
truly listen to the Holy Spirit in one another, people
opened their hearts and shared the challenges, joys,
and dreams they have for our local Church.
I use the word courageous because the call to listen
demands a willingness to trust that God is working
within people and amongst us. The Holy Spirit who
is active and creative, who animates and guides us,
and who draws us into communion and mission.
Diocese of Parramatta. Guided by Bishop Vincent
Long, we walk with all People of God in Western
Sydney and the Blue Mountains.
To find out more visit parracatholic.org/synod2023
Qwayne Guevara is the Lead Facilitator for our Diocesan
Synod. She is also the Manager of Catholic Youth Parramatta.
The fruits of the courage to step towards forgiveness
and reconciliation are slowly being experienced. For
faith communities, it has encouraged a deeper effort
to reach out beyond those not normally engaged.
Young people from within our schools and parishes
expressed hope for the future of our local Church.
For many families and couples, the process has
ignited conversations leading to understanding and
compassion. These fruits reveal the promise of a
synodal Church – a more contemplative, listening,
and discerning Church.
However, this call to ‘walk together’ never
guaranteed an easy path. There have been
challenges along the way. I’ve encountered the fear
in others and still, I’ve been called to listen, seeing
God moving in the other.
When I look to Jesus on the Cross and encounter
His example through the Gospels, I’m reminded
that Jesus came to offer His mercy, so that we may
experience reconciliation that affirms our very
nature, made for communion.
It is this mercy and reconciliation that gives me hope
for what’s to come for our community here in the