The first thing to say is that there are two synods. Ireland will be having a national synod in about 4 or 5 years’ time and there will be preparations for that over the next few years. The more immediate synod, the Universal Synod for the whole church took place in 2023 with an assembly of all bishops in the Vatican. Pope Francis has asked all of us in parishes and dioceses to engage in prayerful dialogue and listening, together with the Spirit, so that we can pass on to our bishops and to Pope Francis how we feel we can best journey together as Church into the future.
Our Diocese launched its plan for the synod in the Pro-Cathedral. The parish was invited to hold a series of gatherings in January and February 2022 to give people an opportunity to dialogue and listen together and to gather feedback that will be used to inform our bishop for the Synod in Rome. There will be various questions that can be used to initiate the discussions and parish facilitators will be trained by the Diocese to make sure these gatherings are well-run and comfortable for people to participate in. What we will be doing really is trying to answer these questions — What is the Spirit saying to the Church? And what does God want of us at this point in Christian history? This invitation is for everyone — all the baptised. Please see the Dublin Diocese website www.dublindiocese.ie for more information including a document called “Simply Synod” along with some very short videos about the most important aspects of these gatherings.
‘Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate’
(Luke 6:36)
As Synodal gatherings begin in parishes, this line from today’s Gospel reminds us that the quality of our attention to one another will be crucial in the Synodal pathway. Careful listening helps us to understand the other person, to stand in their shoes. When we really listen, we listen to understand in an open, loving and compassionate way.
Holy Spirit, as we gather together in your name. Guide our listening that we may receive others with respect, for we are to love our neighbour as ourselves.
Synodal Resources are available at: www.dublindiocese.ie