At the recent Global 2033 Leaders and Women of Influence Summit in Rome, the Head of Pastoral Discernment and Accompaniment in the Diocese of Broken Bay was asked to address the gathering on shared leadership and synodal initiatives.
Patti Beattie highlighted her vision for raising up the next generation of women leaders.
Drawing on her own experience within the Diocese of Broken Bay, Patti shared ways to equip and empower others, particularly women, for leadership and service in the Church.
“My role as Head of Pastoral Discernment & Accompaniment centres on contributing to building a synodal Church by designing and leading pastoral discernment projects that invite deep listening, broad participation, and shared mission,” Patti told the international gathering.
“In the Diocese we have engaged with our three Deaneries asking what are the unique opportunities and challenges facing their communities?
“From there we have worked collaboratively to shape local pastoral missions that empower people to participate more fully in the life and mission of the Church.
“For example, one Deanery expressed a strong desire for formation opportunities – experiences that would help them grow in deeper relationship with Christ, and with one another.
“In response, Bishop Anthony Randazzo is developing a Pastoral Formation Centre.,
“In the Diocese we are experiencing a cultural transformation, an innovative and significant shift in how we consider the way forward, and very much inclusive of the participation of women,” Patti said.
This dynamic also includes one parish moving from closed Pastoral Council meetings to a Parish-in-Council open gathering, inviting the entire parish community into a day of prayer, listening, and shared discernment. This is a forum other parishes are now considering along with Parish Assemblies.
“This is a new way of being Church together in the Diocese – clergy and all lay women and men, around the table together where the voice of all is invited, welcomed, and appreciated,” Patti said.
Building on intentional formation, education, and support, the Summit delegates acknowledged the vital importance of cultivating leadership styles that honour cultural diversity and individual gifts, while building networks of prayerful encouragement and practical skills.
“We hope to bring these conversations and experiences to all our representative regions,” Patti said.
“For Australia that means working closely with our Oceania partners with the hope to shape our own summit in 2026.”