The University of Notre Dame Australia will welcome one of the Catholic Church’s most influential contemporary leaders, Mario Cardinal Grech, to Sydney, Melbourne, Fremantle and Broome this November for a series of public lectures, discussions and University events exploring synodality, governance, leadership and social cohesion.
Cardinal Grech has been a leading voice in the global conversation on the future of the Church and the importance of listening, participation and shared responsibility in mission.
Hosted by Notre Dame’s Global Centre for Catholic Leaders, the visit will bring together academics, Church leaders, students, alumni and the broader community to explore some of the most pressing questions facing the Church and society today.
Topics will include leadership and governance, community participation, social cohesion, dialogue across difference and the role of Catholic institutions in an increasingly complex and pluralistic world.
Public discussions in Sydney and Melbourne will explore shared responsibility in the Church’s mission, participative approaches to governance, leadership formation, the revitalisation of parish and community life and the contribution of synodality to peace, reconciliation and participation.
The discussion will also consider how Catholic institutions can form future leaders capable of engaging constructively in an increasingly pluralistic society.
Director of the Global Centre for Catholic Leaders, Laura Avery, said Cardinal Grech’s visit offered a unique opportunity to engage with one of the most influential voices in the contemporary Church.
“At a time when many communities are experiencing growing division and declining trust, Cardinal Grech's message about listening, participation and respectful dialogue is particularly relevant,” Ms Avery said.
“We are delighted to welcome Cardinal Grech to Australia for conversations that speak not only to the future of the Church, but also to the importance of building stronger, more connected and cohesive communities.
“These events will bring together people from across the Church, academia and the wider community to explore how leadership, shared responsibility and meaningful dialogue can help address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Cardinal Grech has frequently spoken about the importance of listening and participation within the Church and the value of synodality as a model for shared responsibility and mission.
His Australian visit will provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage directly with one of the key figures shaping contemporary Catholic thought and practice.
Public event program
The Mission We Share: Differentiated Co-responsibility in the Church
This synodal conversation will explore questions including shared responsibility in the Church's mission, governance, formation for leadership, revitalising parish and community life, and how synodality can contribute to peace, reconciliation and participation.
Melbourne:
Wednesday 4 November 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Catholic Leadership Centre 576 Victoria Parade East Melbourne
Sydney:
Thursday 5 November, 9:00am-12:00pm
Moot Court (NDS23/103)
The University of Notre Dame Australia, Ultimo, Sydney
More information about these events and the Centre is available here.
Media Contact: media@nd.edu.au