Irish Synodal Pathway

Please find below the latest news from the Synod 2021-2023

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Synod 2021-2023

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 Read More

Irish Synodal Pathway

Towards the Ecclesial Assemblies 2027 – 2028 Guidelines published for the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality
As the Church in Ireland continues on the pathway towards the National Synodal Assembly this October, the wider synodal journey of the universal Church is also moving forward. The General Secretariat of the Synod has published a new document outlining the next steps in the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, leading towards the Ecclesial Assembly in Rome in October 2028.
The process will unfold in four stages:
Recollecting (first half of 2027)Dioceses and eparchies will reflect on their experience of implementing the Synod’s Final Document and share a short report and letter with other Churches.
Interpreting (second half of 2027)Episcopal Conferences will gather the fruits of this work into a theological and pastoral reflection, alongside a letter to other local Churches.
Orienting (early 2028)Continental Assemblies will identify shared priorities and emerging directions for the Church’s synodal journey.
Celebrating (October 2028)An Ecclesial Assembly in the Vatican, with the Holy Father, will bring together the fruits of the journey from across the global Church.
A single guiding question will shape the process at every stage:
What concrete signs of a missionary synodal Church are emerging in your community, and what new paths of synodality are taking shape?
The document stresses that this is not about repeating earlier consultations, but about reflecting on what has already been learned, sharing experiences between Churches, and discerning where the Holy Spirit is leading the Church now. The new guidance offers a practical framework to help local Churches reflect on how synodality is taking root in parish and diocesan life. You can download the document here.
While we continue the important work underway here in Ireland, this four-stage process provides a helpful way for us to reflect together, deepen participation, and support the ongoing implementation of synodality in the life and mission of the Church in Ireland.
The post Towards the Ecclesial Assemblies 2027 – 2028 appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.

Irish Synodal Pathway

Working Groups of the Irish Synodal Pathway Working Groups Take Forward Synodal Pathway Priorities
We’ve reached another important moment on the Irish Synodal Pathway.
Following on from our original question “What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?” seven priority areas were discerned by the People of God across Ireland. These point to where we are being called to focus:
Belonging
Co-responsibility and lay ministry
Faith formation and catechesis
Family
Healing
Women
Young people

Working Groups Established
Seven working groups, one for each priority, are now in place. Each group brings together women and men from across Ireland who have been part of the synodal journey over the past five years. Members were nominated by dioceses, organisations, movements, and others who have been engaged in the process.
To support shared leadership and strong connection across the Church, each group includes:
a member of the National Synodal Team
a bishop
a person with responsibility at national level in the relevant area
and several other people bringing lived experience, along with pastoral and theological knowledge, and expertise from across the life of the Church in Ireland

Work Now Underway
The groups have already begun their work. They are meeting, praying, listening, and engaging with those who also bring lived experience and particular expertise.
Over the coming weeks, they will continue this process of discernment to develop practical and actionable proposals for the Church in Ireland. These proposals are grounded in what has been heard through the synodal process and shaped by careful reflection on what is possible at parish, diocesan, and national level.
It is hoped that all submissions from the Working Groups will be completed by 31st May 2026.

An Invitation
This is a significant stage in the journey where we have moved from listening to shaping concrete steps for the future. We invite you to please keep the members of these working groups in your prayers as they carry this responsibility on behalf of us all.
Members of the working groups are listed below (alphabetically).

Enquiries
To give members the space to focus on their work, we kindly ask that they are not contacted directly. All media enquiries should be directed to the Catholic Communications Office of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
BELONGING
Dr Gary Carville
Mr Joe Conroy
Bishop Paul Dempsey
Dr Kevin Hargaden
Sr Anne Harte Barry
Sr Angele Nkamsi
Fr Tony O’Riordan

CO-RESPONSIBILITY & LAY MINISTRY
Fr Éamonn Fitzgibbon
Mr Gerard Gallagher
Ms Martina Gilmartin
Mr Shane Halpin
Ms Julie Kavanagh
Ms Julieann Moran
Bishop Ger Nash
Dr Oonagh O’Brien
Dr Sean O’Leary
Mr Peter Siney

FAITH FORMATION & CATECHESIS
Ms Hilda Campbell
Ms Patricia Carroll
Bishop Michael Duignan
Ms Hannah Evans
Ms Maureen Kelly
Fr Michael Long
Ms Jane Mellett
Dr Jessie Rogers
Rev Dr Dermot Ryan

FAMILY
Mr Stephen Cummins
Bishop Martin Hayes
Mr Paul Keogh
Ms Muirne Lawlor
Mrs Maura Murphy
Dr Cora O’Farrell
Mr & Mrs Mark and Anne O’Leary
Mrs Deirdre O’Rawe

HEALING
Mrs Una Allen
Mr Ronan Barry
Sr Denise Boyle
Dr Nicola Brady
Sr Cáit O’Dwyer
Mr Andrew Fagan
Mr Aidan Gordon
Fr John Kelly
Fr Hugh Lagan
Bishop Michael Router

WOMEN
Ms Róisín Alexander-Pye
Msgr Liam Bergin
Dr Amanda Dillon
Dr Gráinne Doherty
Bishop Kevin Doran
Ms Noelle Fitzpatrick
Mrs Janet Forbes
Ms Noirín Lynch
Mr Joseph McGowan
Mrs Sinead Strong

YOUTH
Mr Luke Casserly
Ms Deirbhile Craven
Ms Natalie Doherty
Bishop Brendan Leahy
Mr Jake Magill
Mr James McLoughlin
Ms Hannah Montgomery
Fr Cyril Odia
Ms Helena O’Shea
Ms Michelle Ward
The post Working Groups of the Irish Synodal Pathway appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.

Irish Synodal Pathway

Join Our Online Lenten Journey – Baptised and Sent in Lent 2026 Join Our Online Lenten Journey
This Lent, people across Ireland are invited to journey together through Baptised and Sent in Lent, a series of weekly prayer and reflection resources inspired by Baptised and Sent.
Whether you are part of a parish group, school community, ministry team, or simply joining individually, you are warmly invited to take part in our livestreamed online sessions.
Register for Online Sessions
A Lenten Journey of Reflection and Renewal
Baptised and Sent in Lent invites participants to rediscover:
Who we are as the baptised People of God
How we belong within the Church community
What we are called to contribute to our faith journey and to wider society
Each week explores themes such as belonging, healing, renewal and mission, placing baptism at the heart of renewal in the Church in Ireland.
Online Sessions – Thursdays at 7:30pm (via Zoom)
Session Hosts:
Thursday, 19 FebruaryJulieann Moran (General Secretary, Irish Synodal Pathway)
Thursday, 26 FebruaryArchbishop Eamon Martin (Primate of All Ireland) assisted by Janet Forbes
Thursday, 5 MarchFr Declan Hurley (Chairperson, National Synodal Team)
Thursday, 12 MarchBishop Brendan Leahy (Episcopal Member, National Synodal Team)
Thursday, 19 MarchBishop Martin Hayes (Episcopal Member, National Synodal Team)
“Lent is a season when many people are already seeking renewal and asking deeper questions about faith and purpose. Baptised and Sent in Lent offers a simple way to slow down, listen carefully, and rediscover baptism as a lived calling to hope, service and responsibility.”
— Julieann Moran, General Secretary, Irish Synodal Pathway
Register TodayParticipation is free, but registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
Register Now
The post Join Our Online Lenten Journey – Baptised and Sent in Lent 2026 appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.

Irish Synodal Pathway

Baptised and Sent in Lent: Weekly Resource Launched Baptised and Sent in Lent
This Lent, parishes, schools, and faith groups across Ireland are invited to journey together using Baptised and Sent in Lent, a series of reflective resources inspired by Baptised and Sent, the preparatory document for the 2025 Assembly in Kilkenny.
Grounded in the conviction that baptism is the foundation of our identity, dignity, and mission, these Lenten resources invite us to return to the heart of Christian life: being reborn in Christ and sent out by the Holy Spirit in service of the Gospel.

What Resources are Available?
Baptised and Sent in Lent offers a weekly structure for prayer, Gospel reflection, and conversation for each Sunday of Lent. Each resource links the Sunday Gospel with key insights from Baptised and Sent, helping communities reflect more deeply on their baptismal calling. The resources are supported with a facilitator’s guide, a PowerPoint (if needed), and homily notes for those preaching each Sunday.
The resources are suitable for:
• Parish gatherings• Small faith-sharing groups• Schools and chaplaincy settings• Parish Pastoral Councils and other ministry teams

Weekly Lenten Themes
Each Sunday of Lent focuses on a key theme flowing from baptism and mission:
• First Sunday of Lent: Baptised and sent by the Spirit• Second Sunday of Lent: Personal contact with Jesus transforms us• Third Sunday of Lent: Who belongs?• Fourth Sunday of Lent: Healing in Christ• Fifth Sunday of Lent: New life in Christ
These themes invite participants to reflect, listen, and respond to how the Holy Spirit is calling the Church to renewal today.

A Simple and Accessible Prayer Process
Each weekly resource follows the same clear and accessible format:
• Opening Prayer• Gospel Reading (from the Sunday liturgy)• Reflection – time for silent prayer and shared listening• Respond in Action – discerning concrete steps to live our baptism• Concluding Prayer
This consistent structure makes the resources easy to use and adaptable for different settings.
Throughout Lent, participants – lay, religious and ordained – are encouraged to:
• Rediscover their baptismal identity• Listen attentively to the Holy Spirit• Take concrete steps towards renewal, inclusion, healing, and mission

Preparing for the Synodal Journey
These Lenten resources support the ongoing synodal journey of the Catholic Church in Ireland, helping communities prepare spiritually and pastorally for the National Assembly in 2026.
May the Lenten season open our hearts to new life in Christ, renew our sense of belonging as God’s people, and send us out with courage to make a difference in our world.
Read more and download the Baptised and Sent in Lent resources here.
The post Baptised and Sent in Lent: Weekly Resource Launched appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.

Irish Synodal Pathway

Baptised and Sent Sets out Seven Priorities for Renewal Julieann Moran and Fr Declan Hurley offer their insights into the seven priorities for the Irish Synodal Pathway, as set out in Baptised and Sent. First published for the Synodal Pathway Assembly in October, Baptised and Sent is well worth reading in its own right, offering a clear and hopeful vision for the future of the Church by setting out seven key priorities rooted in our shared baptism. It draws together several years of listening, prayer, and discernment, and returns to the fundamental question first posed in 2021:
“What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?”
At the heart of Baptised and Sent is the conviction that baptism is the foundation of Christian dignity, unity, and mission. Through baptism, every person – lay and and ordained, young and old – is called to discipleship and to share responsibility for the life and mission of the Church. From this shared calling flow the seven priorities that emerged from voices across the country.
The Seven Priorities
1. BelongingThe first priority is fostering a Church of welcome, inclusion, and safety—where every person can find a home in community and in Christ, especially those who have felt excluded or marginalised.
2. Co-responsibility and Lay MinistryThis priority emphasises empowering all the baptised, women and men alike, to share responsibility for leadership and mission through new models of ministry and decision-making.
3. FamilyRecognising the family as the domestic Church, this priority focuses on supporting families as the primary place of faith transmission and strengthening their connection with parishes and schools.
4. Formation and CatechesisThere is a clear call for lifelong, Christ-centred formation that is experiential and equips people for discipleship in today’s world. This formation is rooted not only in learning, but also in liturgy and sacramental life, so that prayer and worship become living sources of faith, understanding, and mission.
5. HealingThe document acknowledges deep wounds within the Church, especially those caused by abuse. It commits to accountability, justice, reconciliation, and the creation of safe spaces for survivors and for all who carry pain.
6. WomenRecognising women’s gifts, leadership, and co-responsibility at every level of Church life is named as a matter of justice, credibility, and faithfulness to the Gospel.
7. YouthThe final priority focuses on engaging young people with authenticity—listening to their hopes and challenges, offering them meaningful roles in leadership and mission, and walking with them in faith.
Together, these seven priorities invite the Church in Ireland to continue its journey as a listening, participatory, and mission-centred community, grounded in baptism and open to the future the Holy Spirit is unfolding.
Watch the full interview with Wendy Grace from TheWay.ie below
The post Baptised and Sent Sets out Seven Priorities for Renewal appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.

Irish Synodal Pathway

Video Presentations From Kilkenny Now Available Below you’ll find a series of video presentations from our Pre-Synodal Assembly in Kilkenny which includes the opening address from Fr. Declan Hurley, Chairperson of the National Synodal Team, setting the tone for our shared journey. Julieann Moran, General Secretary for the Irish Synodal Pathway, presents the seven national priorities that emerged from the communal discernment of dioceses and groups in the spring of this year. We also share a synthesis of the baptism resource in Baptised and Sent, presented by Bishop Niall Coll, highlighting the central role of our baptismal calling. The final video is some closing words from Archbishop Eamon Martin, bringing together some of the insights, hopes, and challenges from our gathering.
Opening address by Fr Declan Hurley at the Pre-Synodal Assembly of the Irish Synodal Pathway that took place in Kilkenny on 18th Oct 2025. Download Baptised and Sent
Julieann Moran gives an overview of how the seven priorities proposed in Baptised and Sent emerged and how they are a gift from the Spirit for the Church in Ireland today. Download Baptised and Sent
Address by Bishop Niall Coll to the Pre-Synodal Assembly of the Irish Synodal Pathway that took place in Kilkenny on 18th Oct 2025. Download Baptised and Sent
Archbishop Eamon Martin speaking at the conclusion of the Pre-Synodal Assembly of the Irish Synodal Pathway that was held in Kilkenny on 18 Oct 2025.
The post Video Presentations From Kilkenny Now Available appeared first on Irish Synodal Pathway.

Irish Synodal Pathway

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.

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.

Please find below the latest news from the Synod 2021-2023

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