Please find below the latest news from the Synod 2021-2023
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Synod 2021-2023 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
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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
Final Document from the Universal Synod Published The final document from the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod has been published and is available below in English. Our General Secretary, Julieann Moran, was in Rome for the closing days of the second session of the Assembly 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 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
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.
Final Document from the Universal Synod Published
The final document from the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod has been published and is available below in English. Our General Secretary, Julieann Moran, was in Rome for the closing days of the second session of the Assembly to interview several of the participants and theologian/experts. In welcoming the document Julieann said, “I had the privilege of being at the final moments of the assembly tonight and got the opportunity to hear the Holy Father also announce that he would not be issuing a post-synodal exhortation, but is choosing instead to directly implement the document as it stands.”
In a departure from usual practice, Pope Francis said, “I want, in this way, to recognise the value of the completed synodal journey, which through this document I hand over to the holy faithful people of God…That is why I do not intend to publish an apostolic exhortation, what we have approved is enough.” Speaking to all the participants from Pope Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, he said, “There are already very concrete indications in the document that can be a guide for the mission of the Churches, on the different continents, in the different contexts: that is why I am making it immediately available to everyone.”
The post Final Document from the Universal Synod Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
In a departure from usual practice, Pope Francis said, “I want, in this way, to recognise the value of the completed synodal journey, which through this document I hand over to the holy faithful people of God…That is why I do not intend to publish an apostolic exhortation, what we have approved is enough.” Speaking to all the participants from Pope Paul VI Hall in the Vatican, he said, “There are already very concrete indications in the document that can be a guide for the mission of the Churches, on the different continents, in the different contexts: that is why I am making it immediately available to everyone.”
The post Final Document from the Universal Synod Published appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.
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.