Derry Diocese steps out on its Synodal Journey

Derry Diocese steps out on its Synodal Journey

Back in October 2021, Pope Francis opened preparations for the 2023 Synod of Bishop’s Gathering in Rome which will focus on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”. In simple terms, this Synod focuses on how we are operating and...
Is this a Synod for Everyone?

Is this a Synod for Everyone?

When consultations are launched there is inevitably some cynicism in the ether.  “The outcomes have already been pre-determined”, “Same old, same old”, “We’ve been here before”, “Nothing but a talking shop”.  And so it is with this Synod on Synodality.  No sooner was...
Communal Discernment in a Synodal Church

Communal Discernment in a Synodal Church

Pope Francis speaks a lot about discernment, and it is clear that he regards it as a key feature of synodality. It is what distinguishes the way of proceeding of the Church from that of a parliament or even a citizens’ assembly- it is like these (Francis called the...
Beginning to journey together

Beginning to journey together

There is much talk in the Church about being on a synodal pathway but what does that mean? A synod is a gathering, and a pathway implies a journey. This means that we are going to be journeying together for a significant length of time, in fact it means that this way...