Diocesan Pastoral Council - Expression of Interest Invitation from Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In recent years, through the journey of the Archdiocesan Assembly, the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia, and the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, the people of the Church in Perth have been invited to rediscover what it means to walk together in faith — to be a listening Church, a discerning Church, and above all, a Christ-centred Church.

This Council represents a renewed expression of our shared mission: to walk together in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, to return the Church to Christ, and to return Christ to His Church.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council is not merely a structural addition to diocesan life; it is a living sign of synodality — a commitment to prayer, dialogue, and co-responsibility in the life of our local Church. As the Code of Canon Law reminds us, such a council exists “to investigate, consider, and propose practical conclusions about those things which pertain to pastoral works in the diocese.” In doing so, it ensures that the diverse voices of our community — clergy, religious, and laity — contribute to shaping our shared mission of proclaiming Christ’s love to the world.

Through the Diocesan Pastoral Council, we will continue to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in Perth. Its work will be grounded in the scriptural vision of Ephesians 4:12:

“...unity in the work of service, building up the body of Christ.”

This unity is not uniformity but a communion of hearts and minds, working together for the good of all. It invites each of us to participate — to bring our faith, our gifts, and our lived experiences into conversation with the Gospel and with one another.

I warmly encourage members of our Archdiocese to prayerfully consider whether you may be called to serve as a member of the DPC. This is a ministry of listening and discernment, rooted in humility and animated by hope.

As we take this important step forward in the life of our Archdiocese, I ask you to join me in praying that the Diocesan Pastoral Council will help us to grow as a community that truly walks together — listening to the Spirit, serving one another, and building up the Body of Christ.

May the Lord bless this endeavour, and may Our Lady, Help of Christians, guide us on the journey.