Diocesan News
The Diocese of Ballarat has released a report highlighting a significant year of pastoral, leadership, and strategic development throughout 2025, following the Diocesan Assembly held in late 2024. The report captures a period marked by reflection, discernment, and renewed commitment to the mission of the Church across the region.
At the heart of 2025 was a strong focus on receiving and integrating the fruits of the Assembly. Rather than moving quickly to implementation, the Diocese embraced a more reflective approach—listening deeply, discerning carefully, and beginning to embed synodal ways of working that emphasise shared responsibility, dialogue, and mission-focused leadership.
A key focus throughout the year was strengthening relationships with clergy and fostering a shared understanding of leadership and mission. Through parish visits, zone meetings, and structured conversations, clergy and lay leaders were invited into ongoing dialogue about what collaborative leadership looks like in practice and how parishes can more fully embrace their identity as missionary communities.
The Diocese also made progress in reviewing and strengthening leadership and governance structures. Initiatives such as the establishment of a Leadership and Governance Working Group and formation sessions for diocesan bodies reflect a commitment to ensuring that structures effectively support pastoral mission.
At the same time, there was a clear awareness of the importance of clergy wellbeing and succession planning. Through consultation with priests and engagement with the Personnel Board, the Diocese began building a more sustainable approach to leadership, acknowledging both current realities and future needs.
Another highlight of 2025 was the growing use of synodal practices across parish and agency life. From trial conversations in healthcare settings to spiritual conversations within parishes, these initiatives provided practical opportunities for listening, shared discernment, and collaborative decision-making. Feedback from these experiences has been overwhelmingly positive, indicating a growing confidence in synodal processes.
Underlying all of this work is a recognition that the Diocese is living through a time of transition, with a new bishop beginning his ministry. There is a strong commitment to ensuring that the insights and momentum of the Diocesan Assembly are not only preserved, but thoughtfully integrated into the life of the Diocese moving forward.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Diocese has outlined several key priorities. These include deepening parish engagement through a structured Parish Engagement Plan, continuing zone-based consultation and formation, and progressing the establishment of a Diocesan Pastoral Council grounded in parish life and leadership.
Additional areas of focus include reimagining diocesan zones, continuing clergy succession planning and supporting parishes in future planning, including mergers and mission-focused renewal.
There is also a strong emphasis on strengthening the relationship between parish, priest and school, recognising its vital role in nurturing faith, building community and connecting families more deeply with the life of the Church.
As the Diocese moves forward, the report highlights a clear and hopeful direction: a Church that listens, collaborates, and grows together. With strong foundations laid in 2025, the Diocese of Ballarat looks to 2026 as a year of continued growth—guided by shared mission, synodal practice, and a deep commitment to the Gospel.