MORE than 700 Catholics from throughout south-east Queensland are gathering this weekend for Brisbane archdiocese’s historic Synod 2003.
It is the first diocesan synod for Brisbane in more than a century.
The Synod Assembly opened on Thursday night with a Mass in St Stephen’s Cathedral at which Brisbane Archbishop John Bathersby concelebrated with more than 100 priests.
All the synod members processed into the cathedral at the start of the Mass.
The heads of other Christian Churches also attended and extended the greetings and prayers of their communities for the success of the synod.
The Synod Assembly is the high point of a journey that began in December 2000. It is being held at Clairvaux MacKillop College, Upper Mt Gravatt where it will close today (Sunday).
Archbishop Bathersby said on the eve of the assembly that he hoped the synod would enliven the archdiocese with the joy and energy of the Gospel.
The Synod Assembly will address issues connected with the mission of the Brisbane Church, over which the archbishop has authority, and vote on a series of Broad Action Proposals.
Archbishop Bathersby will announce his decisions in light of the synod recommendations at a special Mass in the cathedral on July 27.
