Bishop McKeown - "this is the start of our Synodal Journey"
"We have set ourselves in Ireland a five year period, to look together in a prayerful context where God is leading His Church"
In this video, Bishop Donal McKeown reminds us of the purpose of the Church and outlines the prayerful consultation process of Synodality, of walking together, of listening, of being led by the Holy Spirit to understand where the Lord is leading us.
"We have to look at where the Lord is leading us in order for us to be effective in making new disciples for the Lord"
The Catholic Church throughout the world and in Ireland is beginning a series of conversations about what God wants of his people at this time. These conversations are often referred to as a Synodal Process. "Synodal" comes from a Greek word which means "walking together".
Sunday, 17th October marks the opening of this Synodal Process entitled, For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission. This Synodal Process coincides with the start of the two-year Synodal Pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland which will lead, in time, to a National Synodal Assembly in Ireland.
We pray that the next two years will be a time of prayer, listening and discernment, involving a consultative conversation. This will allow all people - both within the Church and in society at large, to share their insights into the Catholic Church in Ireland – past, present and future – so that we can prepare for a National Synodal Assembly in the coming years.
What happens next?
In the coming weeks and months information will be shared here and throughout each parish in the Diocese on planned events and discussions. Watch your Parish Bulletins, your parish website and social media channels.
Related Synod topics to assist parishes
Diocese of Derry - Synod - News