Synodality: The Pilgrim’s Compass

Our theme for 2025 centres on Synodality as the guiding compass for our shared journey as “Pilgrims of Hope.” This theme resonates deeply within our school communities, positioning Synodality as a source of both spiritual and communal direction. Just as a compass provides orientation on a journey, Synodality offers clarity and purpose to our Catholic educators, enabling us to navigate a hopeful path together.

The imagery of “Pilgrim” and “Compass” will serve as focal points throughout our sessions as we reflect on what it means to be a pilgrim in today’s educational landscape. Our discussions will draw upon Pope Francis’s inspiring call in his promotion of the Jubilee Year: “We must fan the flame of hope that has been given to us, and help everyone to gain new strength and certainty by looking to the future with an open spirit, a trusting heart and far-sighted vision.”

We are thrilled to announce our keynote speakers as: Dr Elissa Roper and Fr Frank Brennan SJ AO

Dr. Elissa Roper

Dr. Elissa Roper is an Australian theologian specialising in ecclesiology and synodality, with a profound commitment to fostering a mature, responsible, and loving Church. Her academic journey culminated in a doctoral thesis titled "Synodality and Authenticity: Towards a Contemporary Ecclesiology for the Catholic Church," completed at the University of Divinity (Yarra Theological Union) between 2015 and 2021. 

Beyond her scholarly pursuits, Dr. Roper has significantly contributed to theological education and Church reform initiatives. She has served as the Manager of the Program of Theology for Catholic Religious Sisters in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, a pioneering effort offering tertiary theological education to women in these regions. This program, designed and administered by the Sisters of Mercy in partnership with the Divine Word University PNG, has enrolled 164 women as of 2024. 

Dr. Roper's expertise has been recognised through her involvement with key ecclesiastical bodies. She was a member of the Theological Advisory Group to the 2023 Assembly of the Federation of Catholic Bishops Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO), contributing to discussions on "Being a Synodal Church." Additionally, she assisted the Drafting Committee of the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia in 2022, engaging in data analysis, synthesis, and drafting during the Second Assembly. 

An active participant in ecumenical and interfaith dialogues, Dr. Roper has been a member of the Archdiocese of Melbourne’s Ecumenical & Interfaith Commission and has served as a Catholic representative on the Victorian Council of Churches Faith and Order Commission since 2013. Her dedication to Church reform and synodality is evident in her numerous presentations and workshops aimed at inspiring and informing diverse audiences about the transformative potential of a synodal Church. 

Fr. Frank Brennan SJ AO

Fr. Frank Brennan is an Australian Jesuit priest, human rights lawyer, and academic renowned for his advocacy in law, social justice, refugee protection, and Aboriginal reconciliation. Born in Toowoomba, Queensland, he is the eldest son of Sir Gerard Brennan, a former Chief Justice of the High Court of Australia, and Patricia O'Hara. Fr. Brennan pursued studies at the University of Queensland, earning honors degrees in arts and law, and later obtained a Master of Laws from the University of Melbourne. 

Ordained as a Jesuit priest in 1985, Fr. Brennan's ministry has been deeply intertwined with his commitment to social justice. He has been a prominent advocate for Aboriginal land rights, notably contributing to the discourse surrounding the Mabo and Wik High Court decisions. His legal expertise and ethical insights have positioned him as a leading voice in Australia's human rights landscape. 

Throughout his career, Fr. Brennan has held several academic and advisory roles. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the PM Glynn Institute at Australian Catholic University, an Adjunct Professor at the Thomas More Law School at ACU, and a Research Professor at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture. He has also served as the Rector of Newman College at the University of Melbourne. 

His contributions extend to governmental advisory capacities, having chaired the National Human Rights Consultation for the Rudd Government and participated in the Turnbull Government’s expert panel conducting the Religious Freedom Review. Fr. Brennan's dedication to Indigenous rights is further exemplified by his membership in the Voice Co-Design Senior Advisory Group, working towards establishing an Indigenous voice to the Australian Parliament.

Fr. Brennan's extensive body of work includes publications addressing critical issues such as land rights, asylum policies, and the interplay between law, religion, and politics. His unwavering commitment to justice and equality continues to influence and inspire discussions on human rights and social policy in Australia.