Please find below the latest news from the Synod 2021-2023
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Synod 2021-2023 Prayer Request and National Synodal Team Members Announced Prayers for the Universal Synod
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference prayed for all of the participants at the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which formally opens today in the Vatican today, 2 October Read More
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference prayed for all of the participants at the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which formally opens today in the Vatican today, 2 October Read More
More Dates Added to Leadership Training Programme 
New Dates Added!
Our Facilitative Leadership Training Programme was launched in February this year and the feedback from each of the six locations was tremendous. We have been fortunate to secure two more course dates, both in Knock, this October. So, Read More
Our Facilitative Leadership Training Programme was launched in February this year and the feedback from each of the six locations was tremendous. We have been fortunate to secure two more course dates, both in Knock, this October. So, Read More
Second Instrumentum Laboris Published The Second Instrumentum Laboris that will guide the work of the second session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (2 to 27 October) has been released and can be accessed below. The document advances proposals Read More
Towards October 2024: Ireland’s Summary Document Published Towards October 2024 – Summary of Contributions from Dioceses and Groups of the Catholic Church in Ireland
In response to the invitation from the Secretariat of the Synod in Rome to deepen our reflections on the Report from its first synodal Read More
In response to the invitation from the Secretariat of the Synod in Rome to deepen our reflections on the Report from its first synodal Read More
Report from the National Steering Committee Published What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?
In fulfilment of its remit to guide a two-year process of synodal listening and discernment for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the Report from the Steering Committee for Read More
In fulfilment of its remit to guide a two-year process of synodal listening and discernment for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the Report from the Steering Committee for Read More
Irish Synodal Pathway Research Report Published Following the Winter General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, a research report, commissioned by the National Steering Committee of the Irish Synodal Pathway has now been published.
In keeping with the spirit and methodology of the synodal process, the National Read More
In keeping with the spirit and methodology of the synodal process, the National Read More
Bishop Brendan and Bishop Alan Report on the Synodal Assembly from Rome In October 2021, Pope Francis announced a Universal Synod on the theme of synodality. Its official title is ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.’ Following two years of preparation, listening and dialogue at diocesan, continental and universal level, Read More
Universal Synod’s Synthesis Report Published in English In the late afternoon of Saturday 28 October 2023, the members of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops adopted the Synthesis Report which was initially published in Italian. The official report is now also available in Read More
Prayer Request and National Synodal Team Members Announced
Prayers for the Universal Synod
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference prayed for all of the participants at the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which formally opens today in the Vatican today, 2 October and will deliberate until 27 October on the theme, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.’ The task of this second session is to complete the discernment begun at the first session in October 2023, and thereafter to offer the result to Pope Francis in a final document.
Attending the Synod as representatives of the Bishops’ Conference are Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick, and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down and Connor. Also attending as representatives from Ireland are Sister Mary Teresa Barron OLA, President of the International Union of Superiors General; and, Sister Patricia Murray IBVM, Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General. Rev Professor Eamon Conway, a priest of the Archdiocese of Tuam, is serving the Synod as an ‘Expert and Facilitator’;
The Irish Catholic Bishops said, “We invite people of faith to pray throughout October for all members of the Synodal Assembly as, in the words of Pope Francis, ‘without prayer there will be no Synod.’ Since 2021 synodal listening has moved through parish, diocesan, national, and continental stages, fostering continuous dialogue with the Universal Church. While the synodal process nurtures participation and co-responsibility, the discernment of the Pobal Dé has been at the heart of the journey, guiding the mission of the Body of Christ into the future.”
Irish Synodal Pathway
Membership of the National Synodal Team of the Irish Synodal Pathway has been announced as:
Father Declan Hurley (chairperson) is a priest of the Diocese of Meath. He is the Administrator of Navan Parish and Vicar General for the Diocese.
Ms Patricia Carroll is the Director of Mission and Ministry in the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Dr Gary Carville is the Executive Secretary for Social Issues and International Affairs of the Bishops’ Conference, and for the Council for Justice and Peace.
Sister Anne Codd, PBVM is a Presentation Sister and co-ordinates Leadership Development for AMRI (Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland).
Mr Paul Corcoran is the Chief Operating Officer for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Ms Sheena Darcy is Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Elphin.
Bishop Paul Dempsey is Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.
Father Eamonn Fitzgibbon is a priest of the Diocese of Limerick and Director of the Irish Institute for Pastoral Studies.
Mrs Janet Forbes is the Youth Director in the Archdiocese of Armagh.
Bishop Martin Hayes is Bishop of Kilmore.
Mrs Julie Kavanagh is a member of the Faith Development Services team in Kildare and Leighlin.
Bishop Brendan Leahy is Bishop of Limerick.
Father Timothy Lehane, SVD is the Provincial of the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries and President of AMRI.
Mr Stephen McAnee is the chairperson of the Diocesan Pastoral Council in the Diocese of Down and Connor and the chairperson of the Pathways Programme in the diocese.
Rev Dermot McCarthy is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Father Kevin McElhennon is a priest of the Diocese of Derry and Parish Priest of Cappagh, Co Tyrone.
Dr Jessie Rogers is the Director of the Centre for Mission and Ministries in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and lecturer in Sacred Scripture.
Bishop Michael Router is Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh.
Ms Julieann Moran is General Secretary for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Ms Crysta Gunn is the Senior Communications Officer with the Bishops’ Conference.
As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Irish Synodal Pathway is preparing for a pre-synodal assembly in October 2025. This national pre-synodal assembly will identify key priorities in advance of the first official synodal assembly for the Church in Ireland in October 2026.
The post Prayer Request and National Synodal Team Members Announced appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference prayed for all of the participants at the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which formally opens today in the Vatican today, 2 October and will deliberate until 27 October on the theme, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.’ The task of this second session is to complete the discernment begun at the first session in October 2023, and thereafter to offer the result to Pope Francis in a final document.
Attending the Synod as representatives of the Bishops’ Conference are Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick, and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Down and Connor. Also attending as representatives from Ireland are Sister Mary Teresa Barron OLA, President of the International Union of Superiors General; and, Sister Patricia Murray IBVM, Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superiors General. Rev Professor Eamon Conway, a priest of the Archdiocese of Tuam, is serving the Synod as an ‘Expert and Facilitator’;
The Irish Catholic Bishops said, “We invite people of faith to pray throughout October for all members of the Synodal Assembly as, in the words of Pope Francis, ‘without prayer there will be no Synod.’ Since 2021 synodal listening has moved through parish, diocesan, national, and continental stages, fostering continuous dialogue with the Universal Church. While the synodal process nurtures participation and co-responsibility, the discernment of the Pobal Dé has been at the heart of the journey, guiding the mission of the Body of Christ into the future.”
Irish Synodal Pathway
Membership of the National Synodal Team of the Irish Synodal Pathway has been announced as:
Father Declan Hurley (chairperson) is a priest of the Diocese of Meath. He is the Administrator of Navan Parish and Vicar General for the Diocese.
Ms Patricia Carroll is the Director of Mission and Ministry in the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Dr Gary Carville is the Executive Secretary for Social Issues and International Affairs of the Bishops’ Conference, and for the Council for Justice and Peace.
Sister Anne Codd, PBVM is a Presentation Sister and co-ordinates Leadership Development for AMRI (Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland).
Mr Paul Corcoran is the Chief Operating Officer for the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
Ms Sheena Darcy is Diocesan Secretary for the Diocese of Elphin.
Bishop Paul Dempsey is Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.
Father Eamonn Fitzgibbon is a priest of the Diocese of Limerick and Director of the Irish Institute for Pastoral Studies.
Mrs Janet Forbes is the Youth Director in the Archdiocese of Armagh.
Bishop Martin Hayes is Bishop of Kilmore.
Mrs Julie Kavanagh is a member of the Faith Development Services team in Kildare and Leighlin.
Bishop Brendan Leahy is Bishop of Limerick.
Father Timothy Lehane, SVD is the Provincial of the Society of the Divine Word Missionaries and President of AMRI.
Mr Stephen McAnee is the chairperson of the Diocesan Pastoral Council in the Diocese of Down and Connor and the chairperson of the Pathways Programme in the diocese.
Rev Dermot McCarthy is a permanent deacon in the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Father Kevin McElhennon is a priest of the Diocese of Derry and Parish Priest of Cappagh, Co Tyrone.
Dr Jessie Rogers is the Director of the Centre for Mission and Ministries in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and lecturer in Sacred Scripture.
Bishop Michael Router is Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh.
Ms Julieann Moran is General Secretary for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
Ms Crysta Gunn is the Senior Communications Officer with the Bishops’ Conference.
As part of the Jubilee Year of Hope, the Irish Synodal Pathway is preparing for a pre-synodal assembly in October 2025. This national pre-synodal assembly will identify key priorities in advance of the first official synodal assembly for the Church in Ireland in October 2026.
The post Prayer Request and National Synodal Team Members Announced appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
More Dates Added to Leadership Training Programme
New Dates Added!
Our Facilitative Leadership Training Programme was launched in February this year and the feedback from each of the six locations was tremendous. We have been fortunate to secure two more course dates, both in Knock, this October. So, if you missed out last time round, don’t delay in taking the opportunity to register!
The dates are:Friday, 4 October and Saturday, 5 OctoberorFriday, 18 October and Saturday, 19 October
Some Background
This pilot programme was developed from the needs analysis carried out by an independent researcher last March. The programme (which includes an overnight residential component) seeks to equip local leaders – clergy, religious, and lay faithful – with the necessary skills to help them embed synodality in the life and mission of the Church in Ireland.
Ideal candidates would be:• an active member of a Parish Pastoral Council, Diocesan Pastoral Council or Diocesan Synodal Team, or• an active member of a Religious Congregation, Ecclesial Movement or Association of Lay Faithful, or• a priest, lay pastoral worker, deacon, or religious brother or sister in parish ministry, or• an active member of a Council, Commission or Agency of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, or• someone actively engaged in a diocesan programme looking at clustering/grouping of parishes
If you are available to participate and meet the criteria listed above, please do consider registering by clicking on the relevant image below. Please note that participants only need to register for one of the course dates.
Important: The cost of this programme is being funded by the Irish Synodal Pathway. However, a fee of £220/€250 will be invoiced to any participant who cancels their place with less than 48 hours’ notice or fails to attend. Candidates can be substituted up to 48 hours in advance. Travel costs to and from the residential component of this programme are at the participants’ own expense.
The post More Dates Added to Leadership Training Programme appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Our Facilitative Leadership Training Programme was launched in February this year and the feedback from each of the six locations was tremendous. We have been fortunate to secure two more course dates, both in Knock, this October. So, if you missed out last time round, don’t delay in taking the opportunity to register!
The dates are:Friday, 4 October and Saturday, 5 OctoberorFriday, 18 October and Saturday, 19 October
Some Background
This pilot programme was developed from the needs analysis carried out by an independent researcher last March. The programme (which includes an overnight residential component) seeks to equip local leaders – clergy, religious, and lay faithful – with the necessary skills to help them embed synodality in the life and mission of the Church in Ireland.
Ideal candidates would be:• an active member of a Parish Pastoral Council, Diocesan Pastoral Council or Diocesan Synodal Team, or• an active member of a Religious Congregation, Ecclesial Movement or Association of Lay Faithful, or• a priest, lay pastoral worker, deacon, or religious brother or sister in parish ministry, or• an active member of a Council, Commission or Agency of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, or• someone actively engaged in a diocesan programme looking at clustering/grouping of parishes
If you are available to participate and meet the criteria listed above, please do consider registering by clicking on the relevant image below. Please note that participants only need to register for one of the course dates.
Important: The cost of this programme is being funded by the Irish Synodal Pathway. However, a fee of £220/€250 will be invoiced to any participant who cancels their place with less than 48 hours’ notice or fails to attend. Candidates can be substituted up to 48 hours in advance. Travel costs to and from the residential component of this programme are at the participants’ own expense.
The post More Dates Added to Leadership Training Programme appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Second Instrumentum Laboris Published
The Second Instrumentum Laboris that will guide the work of the second session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (2 to 27 October) has been released and can be accessed below. The document advances proposals for a missionary Church in which all the baptised participate in its life.
The post Second Instrumentum Laboris Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The post Second Instrumentum Laboris Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Towards October 2024: Ireland’s Summary Document Published
Towards October 2024 – Summary of Contributions from Dioceses and Groups of the Catholic Church in Ireland
In response to the invitation from the Secretariat of the Synod in Rome to deepen our reflections on the Report from its first synodal assembly in October 2023 (called A Synodal Church in Mission and published in November) the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference received contributions from all the dioceses of Ireland along with a further ten contributions from associations of lay faithful, ecclesial movements, and Church agencies. These contributions were read and reflected upon in a spirit of prayer and discernment by a writing group of the Irish Synodal Pathway’s National Team during Holy Week and early Easter. In keeping with the request from the Synod Office in Rome (see Towards October 2024), a draft eight-page summary of the contributions was then prepared. In the spirit of circularity, checking in and feeding back to those who made a contribution, regional meetings were then held across the country and online in late April. Following these meetings, and a further meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the writing group prepared Towards October 2024 – Summary of Contributions from Dioceses and Groups of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
The writing group also included a supporting document called Keeping the Synodal Dynamism Alive – a collation of testimonies and best practice from the Catholic Church in Ireland. This document (also requested by the Synod Office in Rome) is an un-summarised collation of testimonies of the work carried out, the lived experience of synodality in local churches, as well as the sharing of examples of good practice that was considered significant for the growth of a missionary synodal dynamism. Keeping the Synodal Dynamism Alive appears in the Appendix of the main summary document.
The key message from the summary document is the recognition of the need for change and the affirmation of a synodal approach to address this need. It emphasises the importance of embracing a style of “differentiated co-responsibility” where clergy and the lay faithful actively participate in decision-making and leadership roles. The document highlights the significance of Baptism as the foundational sacrament and emphasises the importance of ongoing formation, inclusivity, and dialogue within the Church. Overall, the document conveys a sense of hope, purpose, and energy for shaping the future of the Catholic Church in Ireland and universally, fostering greater collaboration and engagement among all members of the Pobal Dé, the People of God. You can read Towards October 2024 – Summary of Contributions from Dioceses and Groups of the Catholic Church in Ireland by clicking on the image below.
The post Towards October 2024: Ireland’s Summary Document Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
In response to the invitation from the Secretariat of the Synod in Rome to deepen our reflections on the Report from its first synodal assembly in October 2023 (called A Synodal Church in Mission and published in November) the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference received contributions from all the dioceses of Ireland along with a further ten contributions from associations of lay faithful, ecclesial movements, and Church agencies. These contributions were read and reflected upon in a spirit of prayer and discernment by a writing group of the Irish Synodal Pathway’s National Team during Holy Week and early Easter. In keeping with the request from the Synod Office in Rome (see Towards October 2024), a draft eight-page summary of the contributions was then prepared. In the spirit of circularity, checking in and feeding back to those who made a contribution, regional meetings were then held across the country and online in late April. Following these meetings, and a further meeting of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, the writing group prepared Towards October 2024 – Summary of Contributions from Dioceses and Groups of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
The writing group also included a supporting document called Keeping the Synodal Dynamism Alive – a collation of testimonies and best practice from the Catholic Church in Ireland. This document (also requested by the Synod Office in Rome) is an un-summarised collation of testimonies of the work carried out, the lived experience of synodality in local churches, as well as the sharing of examples of good practice that was considered significant for the growth of a missionary synodal dynamism. Keeping the Synodal Dynamism Alive appears in the Appendix of the main summary document.
The key message from the summary document is the recognition of the need for change and the affirmation of a synodal approach to address this need. It emphasises the importance of embracing a style of “differentiated co-responsibility” where clergy and the lay faithful actively participate in decision-making and leadership roles. The document highlights the significance of Baptism as the foundational sacrament and emphasises the importance of ongoing formation, inclusivity, and dialogue within the Church. Overall, the document conveys a sense of hope, purpose, and energy for shaping the future of the Catholic Church in Ireland and universally, fostering greater collaboration and engagement among all members of the Pobal Dé, the People of God. You can read Towards October 2024 – Summary of Contributions from Dioceses and Groups of the Catholic Church in Ireland by clicking on the image below.
The post Towards October 2024: Ireland’s Summary Document Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Report from the National Steering Committee Published
What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?
In fulfilment of its remit to guide a two-year process of synodal listening and discernment for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the Report from the Steering Committee for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland has now been published. Documenting the learning and offering recommendations to help shape and inform the next phase of the Irish Synodal Pathway, the report provides:
an overview of the work carried out
an explanation of the key milestones on the journey so far
key features of the context in which the Catholic Church in Ireland is undertaking this synodal journey
examples of synodal dialogue and outreach to illustrate the variety, creativity and significance of the work that has taken place to date
key themes in the learning from this initial two-year phase
insights into the experiences, motivations and concerns of local leaders (arising from research published separately at synod.ie/Research Report)
a series of recommendations for the next phase of the Irish Synodal Pathway
You can download the full report by clicking on the image below. An brief executive summary is available on pages 4 – 7.
The post Report from the National Steering Committee Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
In fulfilment of its remit to guide a two-year process of synodal listening and discernment for the Catholic Church in Ireland, the Report from the Steering Committee for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland has now been published. Documenting the learning and offering recommendations to help shape and inform the next phase of the Irish Synodal Pathway, the report provides:
an overview of the work carried out
an explanation of the key milestones on the journey so far
key features of the context in which the Catholic Church in Ireland is undertaking this synodal journey
examples of synodal dialogue and outreach to illustrate the variety, creativity and significance of the work that has taken place to date
key themes in the learning from this initial two-year phase
insights into the experiences, motivations and concerns of local leaders (arising from research published separately at synod.ie/Research Report)
a series of recommendations for the next phase of the Irish Synodal Pathway
You can download the full report by clicking on the image below. An brief executive summary is available on pages 4 – 7.
The post Report from the National Steering Committee Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Irish Synodal Pathway Research Report Published
Following the Winter General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, a research report, commissioned by the National Steering Committee of the Irish Synodal Pathway has now been published.
In keeping with the spirit and methodology of the synodal process, the National Steering Committee wanted to ensure that those who worked to create the spaces for others to be heard (during the Diocesan Stage of the synodal process in 2022) were afforded that same space for reflection and listening. The Steering Committee engaged Mr Dave Thompson, an independent researcher, to conduct an online survey and a series of focus groups during March 2023. The report arising from this research (published below) provides valuable insights into the experiences, motivations and concerns of local leaders. It reflects a group that is diverse in terms of experiences and opinions, but united in their concern for the present and future mission of the Church, and in the conviction that the synodal process is an important development in the life of the Church.
A pilot training programme for local leaders is currently being developed and will be rolled-out during the Spring of 2024. The findings from the research report has also informed the recommendations in the Report from the Steering Committee for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland, regarding the next stages of the work. This report has also published online and is available at synod.ie/Steering Committee Report
The post Irish Synodal Pathway Research Report Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
In keeping with the spirit and methodology of the synodal process, the National Steering Committee wanted to ensure that those who worked to create the spaces for others to be heard (during the Diocesan Stage of the synodal process in 2022) were afforded that same space for reflection and listening. The Steering Committee engaged Mr Dave Thompson, an independent researcher, to conduct an online survey and a series of focus groups during March 2023. The report arising from this research (published below) provides valuable insights into the experiences, motivations and concerns of local leaders. It reflects a group that is diverse in terms of experiences and opinions, but united in their concern for the present and future mission of the Church, and in the conviction that the synodal process is an important development in the life of the Church.
A pilot training programme for local leaders is currently being developed and will be rolled-out during the Spring of 2024. The findings from the research report has also informed the recommendations in the Report from the Steering Committee for the Synodal Pathway of the Catholic Church in Ireland, regarding the next stages of the work. This report has also published online and is available at synod.ie/Steering Committee Report
The post Irish Synodal Pathway Research Report Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Bishop Brendan and Bishop Alan Report on the Synodal Assembly from Rome
In October 2021, Pope Francis announced a Universal Synod on the theme of synodality. Its official title is ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.’ Following two years of preparation, listening and dialogue at diocesan, continental and universal level, more than 360people gathered in Rome to participate in the first of two synodal assemblies planned for this Synod. This first session took place from 4 – 29 October. The second session is scheduled for October 2024. For the first time in the history of the Synod of Bishops, 70 non-bishop members also participated in the synodal assembly as voting members. Bishop Brendan Leahy from the Diocese of Limerick and Bishop Alan McGuckian from the Diocese of Raphoe were the two bishop nominees of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference who attended the first session. A full report of their experience is available by clicking on the image below.
The post Bishop Brendan and Bishop Alan Report on the Synodal Assembly from Rome appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The post Bishop Brendan and Bishop Alan Report on the Synodal Assembly from Rome appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
Universal Synod’s Synthesis Report Published in English
In the late afternoon of Saturday 28 October 2023, the members of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops adopted the Synthesis Report which was initially published in Italian. The official report is now also available in English by clicking on the image below!
The post Universal Synod’s Synthesis Report Published in English appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
The post Universal Synod’s Synthesis Report Published in English appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.