Richard and Lisa have been very supportive of the Parish, have worked closely and well with a small team of parishioners to keep a sense of what is worthwhile and what can be put aside. It is clear that their expertise is wide and professional particularly in areas of faith and pastoral life and their approach is delightfully positive and affirming. It would be worth engaging Synodal Consulting for a longer period in order to continue development of other parts of Parish life.

Fr Phil Zadro – Parish Priest, St Joan of Arc Catholic Parish,  Haberfield NSW

Synodal Consulting have journeyed with St Agnes Catholic Parish Port Macquarie in a Season of Renewal. As a significant component (deliverable), they helped facilitate and guide us in re-establishing our Parish Pastoral Council. In quickly understanding our complex Parish structure and needs, they have helped us comprehend the meaning of synodality by providing a listening ear, creative energy, enthusiasm, and a place for discernment. Their knowledge of governance structures, canon law and ‘best practice’ has shaped our Parish to continually remind us that “the Church (parish) is always in need of renewal”.

Tony Worner – Leader of Formation, St Agnes Catholic Catholic Parish, Port Macquarie NSW

Synodal is the heart of deep listening, communion, trust and relationships. It truly expresses the authentic and sincere character of two extraordinary people of Lisa & Richard. In many ways they embody its essence personally and professionally. This new consultancy gives hope to all mission-based and faith aligned organisations crying out for formation and renewal.

This is one contact this Director of Mission will need in the future!

Leo Tucker, Executive Director, Mission and Spirituality – St Vincent de Paul Society NSW

Lisa Bright and Richard McMahon, as Diocesan Pastoral Planners, accompanied the parish of Our Lady Queen of Peace, Greystanes with a Renewal Program in the years 2019-2020. They guided key groups in the parish and moved us towards an integrated Vision and Mission of the parish and schools. As a Parish Priest, I found it a spiritual, prayerful and pastoral catalyst. Their professionalism was expressed in a passion and a depth of reading and research around the issues of renewal in parishes today. Their own parish experience reflected a synodal process.

It was a challenging and rewarding journey!

Fr. Paul Marshall, Diocese of Parramatta

I am extremely delighted and excited that Richard and Lisa have formed Synodal Consulting – a company that will greatly benefit various communities’ engagement and transformational journey. Both have accomplished careers, and a great track record of delivering strategic projects and change in this space.

Having worked closely with Richard and Lisa, both have been a great support to me personally and the wider team. I was not only impressed with the knowledge, skills, wealth of experience (that will guide prospective partners), but more importantly the impressive drive, passion, curiosity, deep care, connection, values and ethics they have exhibited. These behavioural indicators are the foundation to support communities to live out their purpose.

Bella Reyes, Chair, Parramatta Diocesan Pastoral Council

I have known Richard McMahon and Lisa Bright both professionally and personally for many years. I have engaged with them when they have been in leadership roles and as members of various committees and organisational executives.

I have been continually impressed with their creativity, energy, and ability to see the big picture landscapes and ideas. Richard and Lisa are grounded in their faith and belief in the value and integrity of discernment, and as Pope Francis coined the now-famous phrase “the Art of Accompaniment.”

I highly recommend them in this new venture.

Cathy Spencer, Director, Diocesan Outreach & Mission Services, Cairns

At a time in the history of our parishes when we are being called to be Christ-centred communities that are synodal, inclusive and missionary, I am sure that Richard McMahon and Lisa Bright will offer clergy, parish leadership teams and all involved in ‘forming disciples’ the skills, tools and support they need to take up in their time and place the mandate of Jesus given to us in the Great Commission. I know that Richard and Lisa will not simply be consultants, but in the spirit of what it means to be a synodal church will walk with leaders and parishes to become the ‘community of missionary disciples’ that God calls them to be. I wish Synodal Consulting many blessings as they serve, accompany and walk with others.

Fr David Catterall MTh – Parish Priest, St Mary MacKillop Catholic Parish, Oran Park NSW

Richard and Lisa have been a wonderful support for us in commencing and growing a new Catholic faith community in Marsden Park (north-west Sydney). They have been a voice of wisdom and insight for our pastoral leadership and ministry leads to plan for faith enhancement, leadership skills growth and increasing discipleship. Their deep pastoral experience and knowledge allows them to ask the questions that our faith community leaders haven’t considered. They have journeyed with us to not only affirm our successes but to also respectfully challenge where we still need to grow and develop.   

In my other role as diaconate formator, they have been a wonderful support in helping to develop our future deacons for effective ministry leadership in a contemporary church setting.

Deacon Tony Hoban
Pastoral Leader, St Luke’s, Marsden Park
and Director of Formation, Permanent Diaconate, Diocese of Parramatta

Richard and Lisa have a highly effective capacity to innovate, create, manage, share, support & promote the word of God as they share their talents and gifts. This is underpinned by foundational personal integrity and commitment to their faith

At a Deanery level they have been key to the planning and development of deaneries, assisted in areas such as the structure of meetings, development of statutes and reporting procedures for parishes and the diocese.

Professionally, we have been offered Leadership Support while conducting Listening Circles in parishes and at a diocesan level addressing the issue of sexual abuse. They offer a community engagement skillset, thoughtfulness, deep enthusiasm, wise council and are consistently cool under pressure.

Liz & Vic O’Callaghan, Restorative Practices Australia
liz@restorativepractices.org.au | vic@restorativepractices.org.au

Whether it is in supporting and training members of Parish Councils, facilitating Plenary Council gatherings large and small or contributing to significant meetings,  both Lisa and Richard are exceptional in their skills and purpose, and their deep understanding of the Church always comes through.

Over the years I have been impressed with the way Richard manages to always show respectful attention to people of diverse views, not impose his views, and he is deeply committed to parish ministry. Lisa is a creative enthusiastic person with advanced technical skills and her joyful nature is contagious.

Being Synodal, listening to what the Spirit is saying, collaboration and understanding good governance principles is in the DNA of both Richard and Lisa.

Cecilia Zammit, Director, Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Parramatta Diocese

I am excited and grateful that Lisa Bright and Richard McMahon have begun Synodal Consulting! They bring experience and expertise, and more importantly insights and passion to their ministry in leading and supporting others. I have benefited greatly from my connection with them – it seems every conversation brings new possibilities for the ways we might evangelise through strong faith communities. 

Leisa Anslinger, Associate Director for Pastoral Vitality, Archdiocese of Cincinnati

Journeying alongside Lisa and Richard is not just a one size fits all direction, but rather a personalised focus on you and the community. I felt supported, heard and nurtured as we uncovered our parish’s needs and lived out our mission.

Christine Van Arsdale, Office Manager, Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Greystanes