Please find below the latest news from the Synod 2021-2023
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Synod 2021-2023 Irish Synodal Pathway Launches New Logo The Story Behind Our New Logo
When the Irish Synodal Pathway embarked on the journey to renew its visual identity, the invitation to tender called for a logo that would be theologically rich, spiritually resonant, and distinctly Irish. The vision was Read More
When the Irish Synodal Pathway embarked on the journey to renew its visual identity, the invitation to tender called for a logo that would be theologically rich, spiritually resonant, and distinctly Irish. The vision was Read More
Baptised and Sent – Preparatory Document Available Now 
Baptised and Sent – Preparatory Document for the Pre-Synodal Assembly
In just a few weeks, delegates from across Ireland will gather in Kilkenny for the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place on 18th October 2025. This is an important step on our Irish Read More
In just a few weeks, delegates from across Ireland will gather in Kilkenny for the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place on 18th October 2025. This is an important step on our Irish Read More
Synodality in Ireland: it’s in our DNA Janet Forbes reflects on how the Irish Church can embrace synodality as a way of life rooted in its cultural DNA of community, generosity, and mutual care.
Since September 2021, we here in Ireland have been on a synodal journey with Read More
Since September 2021, we here in Ireland have been on a synodal journey with Read More
We are People on the Move It has often been said that synodality was Pope Francis’ flagship project for reform and renewal in the Church. The 2023 and 2024 sessions of the XVI Synodal Assembly entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”, along with the publication of its Final Document in October 2024 are Read More
Meath Diocese Strengthens Synodal Practice The Diocese of Meath recently hosted four training sessions across the diocese to introduce members of Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) to the practice of ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ — a core methodology of the Church’s synodal journey. Organised by the Read More
One Baptism, Many Voices One Baptism, Many Voices: Walking the path of renewal from Dalgan to Kilkenny
As the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland continues, the National Team gathered on May 15 and 16 at Dalgan Park in Navan for a time Read More
As the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland continues, the National Team gathered on May 15 and 16 at Dalgan Park in Navan for a time Read More
Pathways Document for Universal Synod Now Live! Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod is Now Live!
The new document to help with the implementation phase of the universal synod can be found here.
This document has been created as a tool to accompany the final phase of the Read More
The new document to help with the implementation phase of the universal synod can be found here.
This document has been created as a tool to accompany the final phase of the Read More
Pilgrims of Hope: Walking the Synodal Pathway Our General Secretary, Julieann Moran, writes about synodality being a reason for great hope in The Irish Catholic Newspaper:
In this Jubilee Year, we are invited to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, purposeful travellers on a path guided by the Holy Spirit. That path, for Read More
In this Jubilee Year, we are invited to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, purposeful travellers on a path guided by the Holy Spirit. That path, for Read More
Irish Synodal Pathway Launches New Logo
The Story Behind Our New Logo
When the Irish Synodal Pathway embarked on the journey to renew its visual identity, the invitation to tender called for a logo that would be theologically rich, spiritually resonant, and distinctly Irish. The vision was to create something timeless yet contemporary, a symbol that would express unity, participation, and mission while remaining open, inclusive, and grounded in the Christian and Celtic heritage of Ireland.
In the early stages of development, the design team explored many of the visual ideas proposed in the tender. However, as the process evolved, it became clear that including too many elements risked creating an illustration rather than a logo. At the heart of the final design lies Saint Brigid’s Cross, a symbol deeply woven into both Irish culture and Christian tradition. Within its familiar form, the designer traced a pathway, a visual metaphor for our shared synodal journey. The lines move in and out, suggesting openness, dialogue, and movement, a Church that listens, learns, and walks together. This sense of the pathway reflects the inclusive nature of synodality, a journey that welcomes all and remains open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The cross itself preserves the Christian foundation of the Synodal Pathway, while its geometric simplicity conveys modernity and adaptability. The use of two shades of green, in both the image and the wording, roots the design in the Irish landscape, with a gentle echo of life, renewal, and growth.
Importantly, we made a deliberate decision not to use human figures in the design. We recognised that any depiction of people, however well-intentioned, might risk excluding others. Instead, the cross and its flowing pathways invite everyone to see themselves within it.
In the end, the new logo embodies an Irish expression of the universal call to communion, participation, and mission. It is both rooted and forward looking, grounded in faith and alive with movement, holding tradition and transformation together in an unfolding journey.
The post Irish Synodal Pathway Launches New Logo appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
When the Irish Synodal Pathway embarked on the journey to renew its visual identity, the invitation to tender called for a logo that would be theologically rich, spiritually resonant, and distinctly Irish. The vision was to create something timeless yet contemporary, a symbol that would express unity, participation, and mission while remaining open, inclusive, and grounded in the Christian and Celtic heritage of Ireland.
In the early stages of development, the design team explored many of the visual ideas proposed in the tender. However, as the process evolved, it became clear that including too many elements risked creating an illustration rather than a logo. At the heart of the final design lies Saint Brigid’s Cross, a symbol deeply woven into both Irish culture and Christian tradition. Within its familiar form, the designer traced a pathway, a visual metaphor for our shared synodal journey. The lines move in and out, suggesting openness, dialogue, and movement, a Church that listens, learns, and walks together. This sense of the pathway reflects the inclusive nature of synodality, a journey that welcomes all and remains open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The cross itself preserves the Christian foundation of the Synodal Pathway, while its geometric simplicity conveys modernity and adaptability. The use of two shades of green, in both the image and the wording, roots the design in the Irish landscape, with a gentle echo of life, renewal, and growth.
Importantly, we made a deliberate decision not to use human figures in the design. We recognised that any depiction of people, however well-intentioned, might risk excluding others. Instead, the cross and its flowing pathways invite everyone to see themselves within it.
In the end, the new logo embodies an Irish expression of the universal call to communion, participation, and mission. It is both rooted and forward looking, grounded in faith and alive with movement, holding tradition and transformation together in an unfolding journey.
The post Irish Synodal Pathway Launches New Logo appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Baptised and Sent – Preparatory Document Available Now
Baptised and Sent – Preparatory Document for the Pre-Synodal Assembly
In just a few weeks, delegates from across Ireland will gather in Kilkenny for the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place on 18th October 2025. This is an important step on our Irish Synodal Pathway, the journey of listening, prayer, and discernment that we are walking together as the People of God.
To help prepare for this Assembly, Baptised and Sent, the Preparatory Document has now been published. This text is the fruit of prayer, reflection, and communal discernment drawing on the contributions from the Spring Gatherings held across the country (February – May 20025), as well as the ongoing work of the National Synodal Team. It highlights the emerging priorities which the Spirit is calling the Church in Ireland to attend to in this time.
Although not everyone will be in Kilkenny, the Synodal Pathway belongs to all of us. We warmly invite you to:
Read the document and reflect on the emerging priorities.
Share your reflections at home, in your parish, in your school, or wherever two or three gather in His name.
Pray for the delegates who will gather in Kilkenny, that the Holy Spirit will guide their listening and discernment.
The Synodal Pathway is not about a single event, but about building a culture of listening and walking together as Christ’s people. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are the Church in Ireland, listening for what the Spirit is saying today.
You can download the Preparatory Document here or by clicking on the image below.
The post Baptised and Sent – Preparatory Document Available Now appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
In just a few weeks, delegates from across Ireland will gather in Kilkenny for the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place on 18th October 2025. This is an important step on our Irish Synodal Pathway, the journey of listening, prayer, and discernment that we are walking together as the People of God.
To help prepare for this Assembly, Baptised and Sent, the Preparatory Document has now been published. This text is the fruit of prayer, reflection, and communal discernment drawing on the contributions from the Spring Gatherings held across the country (February – May 20025), as well as the ongoing work of the National Synodal Team. It highlights the emerging priorities which the Spirit is calling the Church in Ireland to attend to in this time.
Although not everyone will be in Kilkenny, the Synodal Pathway belongs to all of us. We warmly invite you to:
Read the document and reflect on the emerging priorities.
Share your reflections at home, in your parish, in your school, or wherever two or three gather in His name.
Pray for the delegates who will gather in Kilkenny, that the Holy Spirit will guide their listening and discernment.
The Synodal Pathway is not about a single event, but about building a culture of listening and walking together as Christ’s people. Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are the Church in Ireland, listening for what the Spirit is saying today.
You can download the Preparatory Document here or by clicking on the image below.
The post Baptised and Sent – Preparatory Document Available Now appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Synodality in Ireland: it’s in our DNA
Janet Forbes reflects on how the Irish Church can embrace synodality as a way of life rooted in its cultural DNA of community, generosity, and mutual care.
Since September 2021, we here in Ireland have been on a synodal journey with our brothers and sisters across the globe. Over nearly four years of listening, dialogue and discernment, we have been learning what it means to walk, listen and decide together as Church.
One of the biggest challenges has been the complexity of the Synodal documents and the lingering question around what these years of reflection actually mean for how we live as Church in our parishes today. Pope Francis reminded us repeatedly that this is not just a passing trend but a recovery of something deeper and more ancient, something rooted in the very person of Jesus.
I believe synodality lives in the very soul of the Irish Church and that it is something we already carry in our bones, something woven into the very DNA of nearly two millennia of faith and story. In many ways synodality is not something new to learn, but something we are called to remember and recover.
“Whether helping a neighbour, responding to crises, or supporting the Church’s mission this generosity shows who we are”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post Synodality in Ireland: it’s in our DNA appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Since September 2021, we here in Ireland have been on a synodal journey with our brothers and sisters across the globe. Over nearly four years of listening, dialogue and discernment, we have been learning what it means to walk, listen and decide together as Church.
One of the biggest challenges has been the complexity of the Synodal documents and the lingering question around what these years of reflection actually mean for how we live as Church in our parishes today. Pope Francis reminded us repeatedly that this is not just a passing trend but a recovery of something deeper and more ancient, something rooted in the very person of Jesus.
I believe synodality lives in the very soul of the Irish Church and that it is something we already carry in our bones, something woven into the very DNA of nearly two millennia of faith and story. In many ways synodality is not something new to learn, but something we are called to remember and recover.
“Whether helping a neighbour, responding to crises, or supporting the Church’s mission this generosity shows who we are”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post Synodality in Ireland: it’s in our DNA appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
We are People on the Move
It has often been said that synodality was Pope Francis’ flagship project for reform and renewal in the Church. The 2023 and 2024 sessions of the XVI Synodal Assembly entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”, along with the publication of its Final Document in October 2024 are seen as the culmination of his papacy. There is no doubt the theme of synodality emerged increasingly as a central theme throughout his papacy.
So what is Pope Leo’s take on synodality? He’s only a few months into his papacy but he has already indicated a positive attitude to it. On the night of his election, for instance, as he spoke from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, he said “we want to be a synodal Church”.
“For where there is the Spirit, there is movement, a journey to be made. We are a people on the move”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post We are People on the Move appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
So what is Pope Leo’s take on synodality? He’s only a few months into his papacy but he has already indicated a positive attitude to it. On the night of his election, for instance, as he spoke from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica, he said “we want to be a synodal Church”.
“For where there is the Spirit, there is movement, a journey to be made. We are a people on the move”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post We are People on the Move appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Meath Diocese Strengthens Synodal Practice
The Diocese of Meath recently hosted four training sessions across the diocese to introduce members of Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) to the practice of ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ — a core methodology of the Church’s synodal journey. Organised by the Diocesan Synodal Team and facilitated by trained leaders who completed the Irish Synodal Pathway’s Facilitative Leadership Programme, the sessions aimed to foster a culture of prayerful listening and communal discernment.
The method of ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ gained global recognition during the universal synod in Rome, where it was used to ensure each delegate was truly heard, allowing space to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit through the community. In Meath, participants received not only training but a printed resource for conducting such conversations in their own parishes.
“There was a genuine appetite for the training and a willingness to get involved”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post Meath Diocese Strengthens Synodal Practice appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The method of ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ gained global recognition during the universal synod in Rome, where it was used to ensure each delegate was truly heard, allowing space to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit through the community. In Meath, participants received not only training but a printed resource for conducting such conversations in their own parishes.
“There was a genuine appetite for the training and a willingness to get involved”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post Meath Diocese Strengthens Synodal Practice appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
One Baptism, Many Voices
One Baptism, Many Voices: Walking the path of renewal from Dalgan to Kilkenny
As the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland continues, the National Team gathered on May 15 and 16 at Dalgan Park in Navan for a time of deep prayer, shared discernment, and careful listening to the Spirit. Our goal was to reflect on the rich tapestry of insights submitted over the spring of this year, and to distil these into clear priorities for presentation and dialogue at the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place in Kilkenny this October.
Conversations
The home of the Columban Missionaries in Dalgan Park provided a fitting backdrop for this time of prayerful pause. Steeped in missionary zeal and with ample spaces for contemplation (both indoors and out), it became a space of holy conversation and silent listening for two days; a place where the past, present, and future of the Church in Ireland was held before God.
“We spoke aloud our sense of where hope and invitation lay hidden in the submissions with each other”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post One Baptism, Many Voices appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
As the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland continues, the National Team gathered on May 15 and 16 at Dalgan Park in Navan for a time of deep prayer, shared discernment, and careful listening to the Spirit. Our goal was to reflect on the rich tapestry of insights submitted over the spring of this year, and to distil these into clear priorities for presentation and dialogue at the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place in Kilkenny this October.
Conversations
The home of the Columban Missionaries in Dalgan Park provided a fitting backdrop for this time of prayerful pause. Steeped in missionary zeal and with ample spaces for contemplation (both indoors and out), it became a space of holy conversation and silent listening for two days; a place where the past, present, and future of the Church in Ireland was held before God.
“We spoke aloud our sense of where hope and invitation lay hidden in the submissions with each other”
Continue reading the full article in The Irish Catholic Newspaper here.
The post One Baptism, Many Voices appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Pathways Document for Universal Synod Now Live!
Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod is Now Live!
The new document to help with the implementation phase of the universal synod can be found here.
This document has been created as a tool to accompany the final phase of the universal synodal process. The text serves as a means of fostering dialogue between local Churches and the General Secretariat of the Synod and promoting the exchange of experiences among the Churches. The text is structured around four chapters, and aims to provide an interpretive key for understanding the implementation phase of the synodal process: “the synodal form of the Church is at the service of its mission.” It then focuses on the intended recipients of the guidelines: primarily the diocesan bishop and the synodal teams. The third chapter offers a set of fundamental criteria to help ensure that local implementation remains in harmony with that of the universal Church and the final chapter addresses the question of methodology and tools.
The point of reference for this phase is the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the result of listening and discernment carried out since the beginning of the synodal process. According to the Secretariat of the Synod, this phase belongs above all to the local Churches, which are the true protagonists. They are called to “implement, in their different contexts, the authoritative proposals contained in the Document through the processes of discernment and decision-making provided for by law and by the Document itself” (cf. Accompanying Note by the Holy Father Francis).
The Synod Office also highlights that in order to safeguard the underlying ecclesiological vision and foundational criteria of the Final Document, the Pathways document is to be understood as a set of guidelines developed in response to questions received in recent months by the General Secretariat of the Synod. These Pathways reflect the principle of circular dialogue between local Churches and the General Secretariat of the Synod, a hallmark of the synodal journey since its beginning.
A useful infographic on the implementation phase of the Universal Synod is available below.
The Ten Study Groups
The ten study groups were due to make their reports to the Holy Father in June. However, due to the death of Pope Francis, RIP, and the election of Pope Leo XIV, those groups are now reporting in full by 31 December. Their initial and/or interim reports, along with short video content, can all be found on the synod website at synod.va
The Irish Synodal Pathway Continues...
As the Irish Synodal Pathway continues, the National Synodal Team has been prayerfully discerning the voice of the Spirit across Ireland. While the wider Universal synodal process also continues, our local journey is woven into it and through it. We are, after all, sharing in the same Spirit-led momentum.
A key focus emerging for the Irish Synodal Pathway is the call from local level to rediscover our baptismal identity as the foundation for all participation, co-responsibility, and missionary discipleship. This will shape the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place in Kilkenny on 18 October 2025.
Let us keep praying, stay engaged, and continue to walk the synodal path in our own local communities — remembering that one Baptism and many voices is at the heart of renewal!
The post Pathways Document for Universal Synod Now Live! appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The new document to help with the implementation phase of the universal synod can be found here.
This document has been created as a tool to accompany the final phase of the universal synodal process. The text serves as a means of fostering dialogue between local Churches and the General Secretariat of the Synod and promoting the exchange of experiences among the Churches. The text is structured around four chapters, and aims to provide an interpretive key for understanding the implementation phase of the synodal process: “the synodal form of the Church is at the service of its mission.” It then focuses on the intended recipients of the guidelines: primarily the diocesan bishop and the synodal teams. The third chapter offers a set of fundamental criteria to help ensure that local implementation remains in harmony with that of the universal Church and the final chapter addresses the question of methodology and tools.
The point of reference for this phase is the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the result of listening and discernment carried out since the beginning of the synodal process. According to the Secretariat of the Synod, this phase belongs above all to the local Churches, which are the true protagonists. They are called to “implement, in their different contexts, the authoritative proposals contained in the Document through the processes of discernment and decision-making provided for by law and by the Document itself” (cf. Accompanying Note by the Holy Father Francis).
The Synod Office also highlights that in order to safeguard the underlying ecclesiological vision and foundational criteria of the Final Document, the Pathways document is to be understood as a set of guidelines developed in response to questions received in recent months by the General Secretariat of the Synod. These Pathways reflect the principle of circular dialogue between local Churches and the General Secretariat of the Synod, a hallmark of the synodal journey since its beginning.
A useful infographic on the implementation phase of the Universal Synod is available below.
The Ten Study Groups
The ten study groups were due to make their reports to the Holy Father in June. However, due to the death of Pope Francis, RIP, and the election of Pope Leo XIV, those groups are now reporting in full by 31 December. Their initial and/or interim reports, along with short video content, can all be found on the synod website at synod.va
The Irish Synodal Pathway Continues...
As the Irish Synodal Pathway continues, the National Synodal Team has been prayerfully discerning the voice of the Spirit across Ireland. While the wider Universal synodal process also continues, our local journey is woven into it and through it. We are, after all, sharing in the same Spirit-led momentum.
A key focus emerging for the Irish Synodal Pathway is the call from local level to rediscover our baptismal identity as the foundation for all participation, co-responsibility, and missionary discipleship. This will shape the Pre-Synodal Assembly taking place in Kilkenny on 18 October 2025.
Let us keep praying, stay engaged, and continue to walk the synodal path in our own local communities — remembering that one Baptism and many voices is at the heart of renewal!
The post Pathways Document for Universal Synod Now Live! appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Pilgrims of Hope: Walking the Synodal Pathway
Our General Secretary, Julieann Moran, writes about synodality being a reason for great hope in The Irish Catholic Newspaper:
In this Jubilee Year, we are invited to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, purposeful travellers on a path guided by the Holy Spirit. That path, for the Church today, is called ‘synodality’. But what is Synodality? Synodality is the way the Church listens, discerns, and walks together. For me, synodality is not simply a Church initiative or a new trend introduced by Pope Francis, may he rest in peace, but a deep rediscovery of what it means to be the People of God journeying together. It is the way God is calling us to be Church today or as Pope Leo XIV said recently, “it is a word that aptly expresses how the Spirit shapes the Church.” And this is a cause for profound hope.
To be a pilgrim is to walk with purpose. And our purpose is rooted in Christian hope: the conviction that Christ is risen, that love triumphs over death, and that God is leading us even when the road ahead seems uncertain. As Easter people, we proclaim with our lives that “Alleluia is our song!” Hope is not a vague optimism, but a virtue anchored in the promises of God. In these times of global uncertainty, ecclesial change, and spiritual hunger, we need this kind of hope more than ever; hope that walks, listens, and acts.
You can read the full article online at this link here.
The post Pilgrims of Hope: Walking the Synodal Pathway appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
In this Jubilee Year, we are invited to be ‘Pilgrims of Hope’, purposeful travellers on a path guided by the Holy Spirit. That path, for the Church today, is called ‘synodality’. But what is Synodality? Synodality is the way the Church listens, discerns, and walks together. For me, synodality is not simply a Church initiative or a new trend introduced by Pope Francis, may he rest in peace, but a deep rediscovery of what it means to be the People of God journeying together. It is the way God is calling us to be Church today or as Pope Leo XIV said recently, “it is a word that aptly expresses how the Spirit shapes the Church.” And this is a cause for profound hope.
To be a pilgrim is to walk with purpose. And our purpose is rooted in Christian hope: the conviction that Christ is risen, that love triumphs over death, and that God is leading us even when the road ahead seems uncertain. As Easter people, we proclaim with our lives that “Alleluia is our song!” Hope is not a vague optimism, but a virtue anchored in the promises of God. In these times of global uncertainty, ecclesial change, and spiritual hunger, we need this kind of hope more than ever; hope that walks, listens, and acts.
You can read the full article online at this link here.
The post Pilgrims of Hope: Walking the Synodal Pathway appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.