Diocesan structures and processes for consultation were developed and used during the 1992-93 Diocesan Synod, and finally adopted as diocesan norms by that Synod. They involve pastoral councils at parish, deanery and diocesan levels. The various Pastoral Councils operate according to norms set out in the 1992-93 Diocesan Pastoral Plan (PDF document).

The structures have been used since 1993 for consultation on:
• the development of a Diocesan Policy for the Sacraments of Initiation
• the Diocesan Review of the 1992-93 Diocesan Pastoral Plan
• the introduction of the Permanent Diaconate
• a four-year consultation, Preparing Parishes for Change in response to the need for greater collaboration and coordination within and amongst parishes as the number of priests available for parish ministry declines

There have been variations in the procedures depending on the nature of the consultation, but in each case:
• a Committee was appointed by the Diocesan Pastoral Council to plan and lead the consultation process
• with executive assistance from the Diocesan Pastoral Team material was prepared for distribution to parishes (e.g. a draft report or policy, a survey, a discussion paper)
• parish pastoral councils were encouraged to initiate discussion and generate feedback at parish level
• further discussion took place at deanery pastoral council meetings; sometimes regional gatherings were held and speakers/theologians engaged to explain the issues
• feedback from parishes and deaneries was collated by the Diocesan Pastoral Team and reports on same sent back to parishes for further consultation with parishioners
• in the case of policy statements or reports, the statement was revised in the light of feedback and re-distributed
• a final draft was presented to the Diocesan Assembly for acceptance, rejection or modification
• the Bishop formally ratified the advice given him by the Diocesan Assembly

Each of the consultation processes mentioned above has taken place over a period of at least 18 months with a strong emphasis placed on "decision-making by discernment" rather than by parliamentary procedure and majority vote. With the mission, goals and principles of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan as guide, the aim in each consultation has been to ensure widespread understanding and support for the final decisions.

For more Information contact:
Mrs Teresa Brierley, Vice Chancellor of Pastoral Ministries
PO Box 756 Newcastle NSW 2300
Ph: (02) 4979 1150 or Fax: (02) 4979 1159
Email: dpsu@mn.catholic.org.au