General News
28 June, 2026
Catholics look to future
A POWERFUL spirit of hope and unity filled St Mary’s Catholic College, Woree last month as more than 150 people from across the Catholic Diocese of Cairns gathered for ‘Called to lead,’ a major formation day and closing plenary session marking a significant milestone in the region’s synodal journey.
Guided by Bishop Joseph Caddy and guest presenters Qwayne Guevara, Gen Bryant and Fr Josh Whitehead, the event combined prayer, reflection and practical formation. Participants explored how to build synodal communities, accompany one another in faith and lead parish life with renewed purpose.
For many, the day was personally moving. Fr Kerry Crowley, parish priest of Mother of Good Counsel Innisfail and Synod and Plenary Council member, said he valued the discipline of “spiritual conversations” and the commitment to deep listening.
“I hope with the formation of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, we can start to look at each parish community with its unique gifts and challenges, as they are the richness of the church,” he said.
Innisfail parishioner and synod member Barbara Bortolanza described the journey as profoundly spiritual.
“For me what stood out most was the importance of truly listening with prayer, openness and discernment,” she said.
“I valued hearing diverse voices, including Bishop Joe’s reminder to pay attention to those who are often unheard. This challenged me and broadened my understanding of shared mission and what it means to walk together as Church.”
The event builds on a process that began shortly after Bishop Caddy’s ordination in August 2024. Inspired by Pope Francis and after eight months travelling throughout the diocese to listen and observe, Bishop Caddy convoked a Diocesan Synod with the theme, ‘A future filled with hope.’
The synod reflects a renewed commitment to collaboration, attentive listening and shared mission, with insights gathered helping to shape future pastoral planning across the region. The synodal journey formally commenced in June 2025 with a large plenary consultation at Brothers Leagues Club Cairns, where more than 230 parishioners, clergy, educators and lay people took part in structured discussions on community engagement, faith formation, youth involvement, leadership and inclusivity. These conversations helped identify the opportunities and challenges facing the church in the Cairns Diocese.
A plenary consultation synthesis emerged from this process, outlining five key themes: the life of faith, community and engagement, formation, youth and education and parish life. These themes have guided synod members made up of clergy, religious and lay representatives through five sessions of conversation, discernment and feedback over the past year.
Following the final plenary session, delegates approved four major initiatives: establishing a Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), developing and implementing strategic mission and pastoral goals and introducing a three-phase parish visitation program. All proposals have now been submitted to Bishop Caddy for ratification.
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