Please find below the latest news from the Synod 2021-2023
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Synod 2021-2023 A New Chapter, Same Journey 
🌍 A New Pope Committed to Synodality
On 8 May, the Church welcomed Pope Leo XIV, whose Urbi et Orbi message from the balcony of St Peter’s made an immediate and moving call to journey forward together. In his very first Read More
On 8 May, the Church welcomed Pope Leo XIV, whose Urbi et Orbi message from the balcony of St Peter’s made an immediate and moving call to journey forward together. In his very first Read More
Remembering Pope Francis Dear Friends,
This morning, the world awoke to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis. For me, and for many of us, memory goes back to the evening of 13 March 2013 when he stepped out onto the balcony Read More
This morning, the world awoke to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis. For me, and for many of us, memory goes back to the evening of 13 March 2013 when he stepped out onto the balcony Read More
Implementation Phase of Synod to be Accompanied and Evaluated Did you know that the General Secretariat of the Synod (Cardinal Mario Grech) has sent a letter to all Bishops, and through them, to the whole People of God? The letter, issued on 15 March, outlines a further accompaniment and Read More
Conversations in the Spirit with Faith Alive on Mid West Radio Listen back to a the recent radio interview with our General Secretary, Julieann Moran, and Monica Morley from “Faith Alive” on Mid West Radio where Julieann takes listeners through a step by step explanation of a Conversation in the Spirit.
For Read More
For Read More
Resources for planned spring gatherings now live! Is your diocese, ecclesial movement, association, or religious congregation holding a spring gathering for the Irish Synodal Pathway? If so, the resources for these gatherings are now live and can be accessed here: https://synod.ie/resources-for-spring-gatherings-2025/ or by clicking on the image below. Read More
Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir For the past three years, my ministry has been deeply immersed in the journey of synodality and the work of the universal synod—exploring, facilitating, and living out what it means to walk together as a Church, as the People of Read More
Next Steps for the Synodal Pathway This year has been a momentous one for both the Universal Synod and the Irish Synodal Pathway.
At the end of October, the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded in Rome. This three year journey centred on Read More
At the end of October, the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded in Rome. This three year journey centred on Read More
Universal Synod Concludes – Journey Continues Together The General Secretary for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Julieann Moran, was in Rome for the closing days of the Universal Synod on the theme of synodality. Although the Universal Synod came to a close on Read More
A New Chapter, Same Journey
🌍 A New Pope Committed to Synodality
On 8 May, the Church welcomed Pope Leo XIV, whose Urbi et Orbi message from the balcony of St Peter’s made an immediate and moving call to journey forward together. In his very first public words as pontiff, he declared:
“We want to be a synodal Church, a Church that moves forward, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close above all to those who are suffering.”
It was a clear commitment to lead the Church in the spirit of communion, participation, and mission — the very pillars of a synodal Church.
Just two days later, in his address to the College of Cardinals on 10 May, Pope Leo reaffirmed this vision by calling the Church to a renewed dedication to the journey already begun:
“I would like us to renew together today our complete commitment to the path that the universal Church has now followed for decades in the wake of the Second Vatican Council… Pope Francis masterfully and concretely set it forth in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, from which I would like to highlight several fundamental points [including]… growth in collegiality and synodality…”
These words offer a strong and clear signal that the synodal journey is not a temporary phase, but the enduring way the Church is called to be in the modern world — listening, discerning, and walking forward as the one people of God.
Pope Leo’s emphasis on a synodal Church that moves forward provides great encouragement for the Irish Synodal Pathway as we continue this journey with fresh hope and deep communion with the universal Church.
Note: Image of Pope Leo XIV is courtesy of Vatican Media
🕊️ National Team's Discernment at Dalgan Park
On 15 and 16 May, the National Synodal Team gathered for a two-day discernment retreat at Dalgan Park. With prayerful reflection and deep conversation, the team reviewed extensive feedback from the spring gatherings held by dioceses, groups, religious congregations, and movements across the country. You may recognise our former chairperson, Dr Nicola Brady, in the picture. Nicola graciously came and assisted the team in its discernment, which was facilitated by Jim Deeds.
This critical stage of distillation and discernment is preparing the way for the Pre-Synodal Assembly on 18 October at the Kilkenny Convention Centre – a key step as we continue to shape the Church of the third millennium, together.
More news will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, let us remain attentive to the Spirit and supportive of one another on this journey.
📍 Synodality Workshop in Kildare: June 28–29
We’re excited to support the upcoming Workshop on Synodality at Curryhills House, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, hosted by the Evangelii Gaudium Center of Sophia University Institute and in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod.
This is open to clergy, religious, and laypeople seeking to learn more.
🟡 Download the flyer for full details by clicking on the image!
🗓️ Dates: June 28–29, 2025📌 Location: Curryhills House, Prosperous, Co. Kildare🔗 Register by 15 June 2025
Come and deepen your understanding of the theological foundations of synodality and learn practical methods of listening, discerning, and cultivating participation in your local church.
The post A New Chapter, Same Journey appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
On 8 May, the Church welcomed Pope Leo XIV, whose Urbi et Orbi message from the balcony of St Peter’s made an immediate and moving call to journey forward together. In his very first public words as pontiff, he declared:
“We want to be a synodal Church, a Church that moves forward, a Church that always seeks peace, that always seeks charity, that always seeks to be close above all to those who are suffering.”
It was a clear commitment to lead the Church in the spirit of communion, participation, and mission — the very pillars of a synodal Church.
Just two days later, in his address to the College of Cardinals on 10 May, Pope Leo reaffirmed this vision by calling the Church to a renewed dedication to the journey already begun:
“I would like us to renew together today our complete commitment to the path that the universal Church has now followed for decades in the wake of the Second Vatican Council… Pope Francis masterfully and concretely set it forth in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, from which I would like to highlight several fundamental points [including]… growth in collegiality and synodality…”
These words offer a strong and clear signal that the synodal journey is not a temporary phase, but the enduring way the Church is called to be in the modern world — listening, discerning, and walking forward as the one people of God.
Pope Leo’s emphasis on a synodal Church that moves forward provides great encouragement for the Irish Synodal Pathway as we continue this journey with fresh hope and deep communion with the universal Church.
Note: Image of Pope Leo XIV is courtesy of Vatican Media
🕊️ National Team's Discernment at Dalgan Park
On 15 and 16 May, the National Synodal Team gathered for a two-day discernment retreat at Dalgan Park. With prayerful reflection and deep conversation, the team reviewed extensive feedback from the spring gatherings held by dioceses, groups, religious congregations, and movements across the country. You may recognise our former chairperson, Dr Nicola Brady, in the picture. Nicola graciously came and assisted the team in its discernment, which was facilitated by Jim Deeds.
This critical stage of distillation and discernment is preparing the way for the Pre-Synodal Assembly on 18 October at the Kilkenny Convention Centre – a key step as we continue to shape the Church of the third millennium, together.
More news will follow in the coming weeks. In the meantime, let us remain attentive to the Spirit and supportive of one another on this journey.
📍 Synodality Workshop in Kildare: June 28–29
We’re excited to support the upcoming Workshop on Synodality at Curryhills House, Prosperous, Co. Kildare, hosted by the Evangelii Gaudium Center of Sophia University Institute and in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod.
This is open to clergy, religious, and laypeople seeking to learn more.
🟡 Download the flyer for full details by clicking on the image!
🗓️ Dates: June 28–29, 2025📌 Location: Curryhills House, Prosperous, Co. Kildare🔗 Register by 15 June 2025
Come and deepen your understanding of the theological foundations of synodality and learn practical methods of listening, discerning, and cultivating participation in your local church.
The post A New Chapter, Same Journey appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Remembering Pope Francis
Dear Friends,
This morning, the world awoke to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis. For me, and for many of us, memory goes back to the evening of 13 March 2013 when he stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time. He did not begin with fanfare nor with a flourish of titles. Instead, he simply looked out over the square and said, “Buona sera,” Good evening.
It was just two words, but in that moment, I knew this was going to be a different kind of pontificate.
Pope Francis has left us with a legacy that cannot be measured in exhortations, letters or decrees, but in his gestures of love, in his words of mercy, and in the quiet, steady insistence that the Church must go out—go out to the margins, out to those who are poor, out to those who feel forgotten. His papacy will be marked by the joy he had for the Gospel, by his radical openness to dialogue and care for our common home. He reminded us that those who suffer—refugees, the homeless, prisoners, the overlooked—are not on the periphery of God’s heart. They are at the very centre.
Where many feel unwelcome, Pope Francis opened doors. He embraced those who experienced exclusion with gestures of pastoral care, respect, and a call to see the human dignity in everyone: women, LGBTQ+ people, those who are divorced and remarried, and many more.
As he encouraged the Church to listen, to walk together, to become truly synodal, he never pretended that the conversations were going to be easy, but he insisted they were necessary. He invited us to imagine a Church that welcomes, heals, includes, and journeys with its people. He modelled servant leadership through the lowly washing of feet rather than the distance of an elevated office, and by being a humble follower of Jesus, firmly pointing the way.
“Buona sera,” he said, and it was indeed a good evening.
Now, we give thanks for the gift of his life, and as we mourn, may we carry his legacy forward, remembering the words he so often repeated: “Pray for me.”
May he rest in the deep peace of Jesus Christ whom he served so faithfully.
Julieann Moran
General Secretary of the Irish Synodal Pathway
The post Remembering Pope Francis appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
This morning, the world awoke to the sad news of the death of Pope Francis. For me, and for many of us, memory goes back to the evening of 13 March 2013 when he stepped out onto the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time. He did not begin with fanfare nor with a flourish of titles. Instead, he simply looked out over the square and said, “Buona sera,” Good evening.
It was just two words, but in that moment, I knew this was going to be a different kind of pontificate.
Pope Francis has left us with a legacy that cannot be measured in exhortations, letters or decrees, but in his gestures of love, in his words of mercy, and in the quiet, steady insistence that the Church must go out—go out to the margins, out to those who are poor, out to those who feel forgotten. His papacy will be marked by the joy he had for the Gospel, by his radical openness to dialogue and care for our common home. He reminded us that those who suffer—refugees, the homeless, prisoners, the overlooked—are not on the periphery of God’s heart. They are at the very centre.
Where many feel unwelcome, Pope Francis opened doors. He embraced those who experienced exclusion with gestures of pastoral care, respect, and a call to see the human dignity in everyone: women, LGBTQ+ people, those who are divorced and remarried, and many more.
As he encouraged the Church to listen, to walk together, to become truly synodal, he never pretended that the conversations were going to be easy, but he insisted they were necessary. He invited us to imagine a Church that welcomes, heals, includes, and journeys with its people. He modelled servant leadership through the lowly washing of feet rather than the distance of an elevated office, and by being a humble follower of Jesus, firmly pointing the way.
“Buona sera,” he said, and it was indeed a good evening.
Now, we give thanks for the gift of his life, and as we mourn, may we carry his legacy forward, remembering the words he so often repeated: “Pray for me.”
May he rest in the deep peace of Jesus Christ whom he served so faithfully.
Julieann Moran
General Secretary of the Irish Synodal Pathway
The post Remembering Pope Francis appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Implementation Phase of Synod to be Accompanied and Evaluated
Did you know that the General Secretariat of the Synod (Cardinal Mario Grech) has sent a letter to all Bishops, and through them, to the whole People of God? The letter, issued on 15 March, outlines a further accompaniment and evaluation process of the implementation phase of the Universal Synod, which was approved by Pope Francis.
The letter outlines several significant moments for evaluating the progress made in the implementation phase and also indicates that it will conclude in 2028 with an ecclesial Assembly in Rome. The Holy Father requested that the letter be sent to the local Churches and groupings of Churches and can be read the letter in full by clicking on the image.
The post Implementation Phase of Synod to be Accompanied and Evaluated appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The letter outlines several significant moments for evaluating the progress made in the implementation phase and also indicates that it will conclude in 2028 with an ecclesial Assembly in Rome. The Holy Father requested that the letter be sent to the local Churches and groupings of Churches and can be read the letter in full by clicking on the image.
The post Implementation Phase of Synod to be Accompanied and Evaluated appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Conversations in the Spirit with Faith Alive on Mid West Radio
Listen back to a the recent radio interview with our General Secretary, Julieann Moran, and Monica Morley from “Faith Alive” on Mid West Radio where Julieann takes listeners through a step by step explanation of a Conversation in the Spirit.
For a helpful resource on holding a Conversation in the Spirit in your parish, diocese, group or movement, click here!
Listen Back Here
The post Conversations in the Spirit with Faith Alive on Mid West Radio appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
For a helpful resource on holding a Conversation in the Spirit in your parish, diocese, group or movement, click here!
Listen Back Here
The post Conversations in the Spirit with Faith Alive on Mid West Radio appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Resources for planned spring gatherings now live!
Is your diocese, ecclesial movement, association, or religious congregation holding a spring gathering for the Irish Synodal Pathway? If so, the resources for these gatherings are now live and can be accessed here: https://synod.ie/resources-for-spring-gatherings-2025/ or by clicking on the image below. For further information or support, you can contact the Irish Synodal Pathway at info@synod.ie
The post Resources for planned spring gatherings now live! appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The post Resources for planned spring gatherings now live! appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir
For the past three years, my ministry has been deeply immersed in the journey of synodality and the work of the universal synod—exploring, facilitating, and living out what it means to walk together as a Church, as the People of God. That’s why, this Christmas, it feels particularly timely and meaningful to reflect on the profound connection between the message of Christmas and the spirit of synodality.
Christmas is a time when we celebrate Emmanuel, “God is with us.” Surely this is the ultimate story of accompaniment? God walking with humanity in the most personal, vulnerable way possible. When we think of the Nativity scene, we see a tapestry of people drawn together: Mary and Joseph, shepherds from nearby fields, magi from distant lands, even the animals in the stable, all drawn close to the Christ child lying in the manger, the humble and wonder-filled heart of the Christmas story. But this is not just a quaint story or a historical moment captured in the form of our Christmas cribs; it’s a profound image of what it means to be a synodal Church, because the Nativity scene embodies the essence of what it means to journey together and to be united in diversity. In this moment, people from different walks of life—young and old, rich and poor, local and foreign—are drawn together not by their own plans, but by a shared call from God to encounter Christ.
This reflects the heart of synodality: listening to the Spirit of God, embracing diversity, and finding communion in Christ. The shepherds come in response to the angels’ invitation, while the magi follow the guidance of a star—different paths converging on the same truth. Even the humble setting of the stable reminds us that God often meets us in simplicity and vulnerability, inviting us to encounter Him and one another in ways that may not be how we expected. In this way, the Nativity is a living model of how we are called to walk together, each person bringing their unique story, gifts, and experiences into the shared journey of faith.
This Christmas, we also mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope. What a fitting time to reflect on the hope that Christ’s birth brings into our lives and our world.
Hope is central to our faith as Christians, and as we step into this Jubilee Year, let us ask: What are we hopeful for? We might hope for deeper unity within our Church communities, where everyone feels heard and valued.
We might hope for peace in a world often marked by division and conflict. We might hope for courage to face the challenges of our times with faith and love. Most of all, we might hope to grow closer to Christ, who is the source of all hope and joy. After all, the little child lying in the manger is a radiant symbol of hope, reminding us that in humility and simplicity, God’s love enters our world to renew and transform it—a hope that inspires us as we journey together into the Jubilee Year, trusting in His promise to make all things new.
The story of Christmas is not just a story to be remembered; it’s a story to be lived and synodality invites us to do just that: to live the Gospel in a way that draws people together, just as the star over Bethlehem drew the world to Christ.
May this Christmas season fill your heart with peace, your home with joy, and your journey with the light of Christ. And may the Jubilee Year of Hope inspire us to walk together with renewed faith, hope, and love.
Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir!
Julieann MoranGeneral Secretary for the Irish Synodal Pathway
The post Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Christmas is a time when we celebrate Emmanuel, “God is with us.” Surely this is the ultimate story of accompaniment? God walking with humanity in the most personal, vulnerable way possible. When we think of the Nativity scene, we see a tapestry of people drawn together: Mary and Joseph, shepherds from nearby fields, magi from distant lands, even the animals in the stable, all drawn close to the Christ child lying in the manger, the humble and wonder-filled heart of the Christmas story. But this is not just a quaint story or a historical moment captured in the form of our Christmas cribs; it’s a profound image of what it means to be a synodal Church, because the Nativity scene embodies the essence of what it means to journey together and to be united in diversity. In this moment, people from different walks of life—young and old, rich and poor, local and foreign—are drawn together not by their own plans, but by a shared call from God to encounter Christ.
This reflects the heart of synodality: listening to the Spirit of God, embracing diversity, and finding communion in Christ. The shepherds come in response to the angels’ invitation, while the magi follow the guidance of a star—different paths converging on the same truth. Even the humble setting of the stable reminds us that God often meets us in simplicity and vulnerability, inviting us to encounter Him and one another in ways that may not be how we expected. In this way, the Nativity is a living model of how we are called to walk together, each person bringing their unique story, gifts, and experiences into the shared journey of faith.
This Christmas, we also mark the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Hope. What a fitting time to reflect on the hope that Christ’s birth brings into our lives and our world.
Hope is central to our faith as Christians, and as we step into this Jubilee Year, let us ask: What are we hopeful for? We might hope for deeper unity within our Church communities, where everyone feels heard and valued.
We might hope for peace in a world often marked by division and conflict. We might hope for courage to face the challenges of our times with faith and love. Most of all, we might hope to grow closer to Christ, who is the source of all hope and joy. After all, the little child lying in the manger is a radiant symbol of hope, reminding us that in humility and simplicity, God’s love enters our world to renew and transform it—a hope that inspires us as we journey together into the Jubilee Year, trusting in His promise to make all things new.
The story of Christmas is not just a story to be remembered; it’s a story to be lived and synodality invites us to do just that: to live the Gospel in a way that draws people together, just as the star over Bethlehem drew the world to Christ.
May this Christmas season fill your heart with peace, your home with joy, and your journey with the light of Christ. And may the Jubilee Year of Hope inspire us to walk together with renewed faith, hope, and love.
Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir!
Julieann MoranGeneral Secretary for the Irish Synodal Pathway
The post Nollaig Shona Daoibh Go Léir appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Next Steps for the Synodal Pathway
This year has been a momentous one for both the Universal Synod and the Irish Synodal Pathway.
At the end of October, the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded in Rome. This three year journey centred on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission” has been a profound process of prayer, consultation, discernment, and collaboration, involving lay men and women, clergy, and religious.
As we enter the implementation phase from the Universal Synod, the Final Document sets out a roadmap for renewal, for a vision of a synodal Church that listens, learns, and acts in communion. It focuses on five key areas of conversion: spiritual, relational, procedural, institutional, and missionary. It mandates effective participatory bodies such as parish and diocesan pastoral councils, and calls for expanded leadership roles for women, increased lay involvement, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Above all, it highlights synodality as foundational, not optional, to the future of the Church, embracing dialogue, inclusivity, and mission.
Meanwhile, here at home, we continue on the Irish Synodal Pathway. Earlier this year, a new National Synodal Team was formed. This group of dedicated men and women (lay, religious and ordained) are preparing for the pre-synodal assembly scheduled for Saturday, 18 October 2025. Diocesan Synodal Teams are currently being prepared and supported to host and foster meaningful local conversations next spring. Participants in these spring gatherings will be invited to reflect on the original themes from the Irish National Synthesis, now informed by the final document of the Universal Synod. The purpose of these local gatherings is to identify key priorities from these themes, priorities that the Holy Spirit is prompting the Catholic Church in Ireland to bring to the pre-synodal assembly in October 2025.
From this assembly in 2025, we are committed to walking together as the Pobal Dé, the people of God, with some of these priorities towards the first national assembly for the Catholic Church in Ireland, schedule for the following year in October 2026. These two assemblies will be key milestones in this ongoing process of renewal so I invite you to pray for this process; to pray that with faith, hope, and love we will continue to journey together towards a vibrant and inclusive future as the people of God, guided by the Holy Spirit.
The post Next Steps for the Synodal Pathway appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
At the end of October, the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concluded in Rome. This three year journey centred on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission” has been a profound process of prayer, consultation, discernment, and collaboration, involving lay men and women, clergy, and religious.
As we enter the implementation phase from the Universal Synod, the Final Document sets out a roadmap for renewal, for a vision of a synodal Church that listens, learns, and acts in communion. It focuses on five key areas of conversion: spiritual, relational, procedural, institutional, and missionary. It mandates effective participatory bodies such as parish and diocesan pastoral councils, and calls for expanded leadership roles for women, increased lay involvement, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Above all, it highlights synodality as foundational, not optional, to the future of the Church, embracing dialogue, inclusivity, and mission.
Meanwhile, here at home, we continue on the Irish Synodal Pathway. Earlier this year, a new National Synodal Team was formed. This group of dedicated men and women (lay, religious and ordained) are preparing for the pre-synodal assembly scheduled for Saturday, 18 October 2025. Diocesan Synodal Teams are currently being prepared and supported to host and foster meaningful local conversations next spring. Participants in these spring gatherings will be invited to reflect on the original themes from the Irish National Synthesis, now informed by the final document of the Universal Synod. The purpose of these local gatherings is to identify key priorities from these themes, priorities that the Holy Spirit is prompting the Catholic Church in Ireland to bring to the pre-synodal assembly in October 2025.
From this assembly in 2025, we are committed to walking together as the Pobal Dé, the people of God, with some of these priorities towards the first national assembly for the Catholic Church in Ireland, schedule for the following year in October 2026. These two assemblies will be key milestones in this ongoing process of renewal so I invite you to pray for this process; to pray that with faith, hope, and love we will continue to journey together towards a vibrant and inclusive future as the people of God, guided by the Holy Spirit.
The post Next Steps for the Synodal Pathway appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Universal Synod Concludes – Journey Continues Together
The General Secretary for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Julieann Moran, was in Rome for the closing days of the Universal Synod on the theme of synodality. Although the Universal Synod came to a close on Sunday, 27 October, the participants of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly highlighted that the synodal process itself does not conclude; that participants now have a responsibility to promote synodality and synodal missionaries within the communities from which they came. There now begins an implementation phase and the local churches are being asked to continue their daily journey with a synodal methodology of consultation and discernment.
Julieann took time to reflect with Fr Bill Kemmy from iCatholic on the historic moment when Pope Francis formally approved the Final Document as official teaching for a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission, and how it will now guide the ongoing Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church here in Ireland. You can watch the full video below.
The post Universal Synod Concludes – Journey Continues Together appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Julieann took time to reflect with Fr Bill Kemmy from iCatholic on the historic moment when Pope Francis formally approved the Final Document as official teaching for a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission, and how it will now guide the ongoing Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church here in Ireland. You can watch the full video below.
The post Universal Synod Concludes – Journey Continues Together appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.