The Synod Development Team (SDT) completed its mandate in July 2025, presenting a ten‑page report to Bishop Hugh. Responding to the bishop’s request, the report outlined concrete steps to strengthen synodality across the diocese. Its recommendations drew on the Roman Final Document, the SDT’s own earlier work, and the concerns and insights raised during the diocesan synodal discussions (Diocesan Synthesis, 30 June 2022).

At the heart of the report was a proposal to enhance the structure and coordination of three key participatory bodies: the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC), Deanery Pastoral Councils (DnPCs), and Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs). The SDT emphasised that these organs of synodality—working collaboratively with one another and with the bishop and clergy—are essential for fostering a unified, missionary Church. In a diocese marked by significant diversity and geographical spread, these councils will help ensure broad, active, and inclusive participation.

Practically, when these councils operate in a genuinely synodal manner, they can move smoothly from discussion to action. This is especially true when those already engaged in pastoral ministry are members of the council, or when matters do not require wider consultation beyond the council itself. Such effective collaboration reflects the vision articulated at the Synod in Rome.

To take forward the SDT’s proposals by drafting constitutions for a DPC, DnPCs, and PPCs in our diocese, Bishop Hugh formed a steering committee which included clergy, religious and lay persons from different parts of the diocese with a variety of experience and expertise in pastoral matters.

Since last November, the Steering Committee has met regularly online—both in plenary sessions and in smaller working groups—to produce detailed drafts of the three constitutions and a handbook to assist parishes in establishing or renewing their own PPC. This work is now complete, and the Steering Committee will present its final documents to the bishop on 30 September. The establishment and renewal of pastoral councils at every level will be a major step toward implementing synodality in our diocese, a step which will be evaluated in the next phase of the Synod.