Ireland’s Catholic Bishops have asked all of those interested in ‘walking with them’ on a ‘synodal pathway’ towards a ‘National Synodal Assembly’ – within five years – to tell them how they would like to begin this process of communication. 

‘Commenting on the Synodal Pathway, Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick said, “Before embarking on the Synodal Pathway consultation, bishops are inviting submissions to reflect on what methods/models to adopt in these coming two years of conversations. For example: parish hall meetings, focus groups, questionnaires, deep-listening sessions; written submissions; family-focused gatherings; summary of findings of assemblies that have already taken place across dioceses; and/or conferences.

‘Feedback, which should be no more than 300 words and submitted by Pentecost Sunday 23 May 2021, ought to focus on the nature of the process for the consultation i.e. how we can best go about this initial phase of establishing the conversation, rather than on the prospective themes for the Synodal Pathway, which will be addressed in the next phase.

For further key information on the synodal pathway announced by the Irish Bishops’ Conference, in the midst of the Covid 19 crisis, click here.

To read the complete bishops’ statement click here.