Timeline
The synodal attitude was at the heart of the process that led to the drafting of this Pastoral Plan.
From the beginning of the first phase, particular attention was given to listening, both to the signs of the times, as well as to the opinion of the People of God and to the direction given by the Universal Church.
Before the choice of the theme – which was presented at the Diocesan Assembly – a broad consultation process was carried out with stakeholders and with the People of God, both through the discernment processes of the previous pastoral plan and through the research carried out by Discern.
This same method of listening and discernment was applied in the second phase of the drafting, which led to the identification of pastoral priorities within the Archdiocese of Malta for the years 2026-2029. Thus, the process itself is an experience and a concrete expression of the synodal attitude.
The following is the timeline of this process:
XVI General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
The second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was held, leading to the publication of the final document “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, mission”, which gave clear direction to the synodal process in the Universal Church.
Formation of the Équipe of the Maltese Episcopal Conference
In accordance with the directives of the Holy See, a team of the Maltese Episcopal Conference was formed with the aim of facilitating the strengthening of the synodal attitude in both the Archdiocese of Malta and the Diocese of Gozo, within the context of the Synod’s implementation phase.
Establishment of the Pastoral Plan Development Team
The Archdiocese of Malta has set up a dedicated team, tasked with drawing up the Pastoral Plan 2026 – 2029.
Conference of the National Équipes for the Implementation of the Synod
The team of the Maltese Episcopal Conference attended a conference in Vatican City, where the method for implementing the directions of the Synod of Bishops for strengthening synodality within the local Churches was outlined.
Analysis of Documents in the Light of the Church in Malta Today
An extensive process of analysis of various elements was undertaken, including:
the Magisterium and Church documents;
results of listening processes from the previous plan;
studies and research carried out by Discern;
reading of the signs of the times in the context of the Church in Malta.
This process served as preparation for the identification of the main themes of the plan.
Consultation with Stakeholders
A structured consultation was held with the stakeholders of the Archdiocese, with the aim of evaluating the pastoral priorities that had been identified.
Conclusion of Phase 1:
Presentation of the Theme – Diocesan Assembly
During the Diocesan Assembly, the main theme of the Pastoral Plan was presented; “The Church in Malta Today: Communion, Participation and Mission” as the fruit of the process of listening and discernment.
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Gathering of Feedback
Feedback and suggestions on the presented theme were gathered.
Development of Pastoral Priorities
During this period, meetings were held with the leaders of the offices and entities of the Archdiocese to identify general themes related to the specific sectors of ministries within the Archdiocese. This process led to the themes of communion, participation and mission being developed into concrete actions related to these sectors.
Conclusion of Phase 2
The second phase of the Pastoral Plan’s design ends with the publication of the Pastoral Priorities, which serve as a basis for the implementation phase.
Phase 3: Development of the Pastoral Plan within the Entities
The third phase of the Pastoral Plan will take place from June to September 2026. Each entity will be expected to create a pastoral plan on how it will implement the identified pastoral priorities.
Implementation Phase
From October 2026 onwards, implementation will take place within the entities and offices of the Archdiocese. Every year, a work report must be submitted and the pastoral plan for that year must be re-presented, amended if and as necessary.
Ecclesial Assembly (of the Universal Church)
A post-synodal Ecclesial Assembly to be held in the Vatican in October 2028 as the culmination of a three-year process accompanying the implementation of the Synod.
Diocesan Synod
A Diocesan Synod is celebrated as a concrete expression of the synodal journey of the Church in Malta.
Conclusion of the Synod and New Process
The synodal process comes to its conclusion and a process of drawing up a new Pastoral Plan begins.