Synod Parish Resources

Pope Francis has approved a new synodal programme for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops - the Synod, "For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission"

Pope Francis is inviting Catholics everywhere to re-learn the ways of being church together, to create spaces of encounter and mutual listening that incorporate the gifts of all the baptized as we face the many challenges of renewing the life of the church for our time.

New and creative pathways may be found for working together among parishes and dioceses in order to bring this Synodal Process to fruition.

This Synodal Process need not be seen as an overwhelming burden that competes with local pastoral care. Rather, it is an opportunity to foster the synodal and pastoral conversion of each local Church so as to be more fruitful in mission.

Below are support materials for use by individuals and parishes to assist creative participation.

Resources to assist local Churches in engaging with the Universal Synod

The Handbook (Vademecum)

Preparatory Document

This Vatican document - the Vademecum is designed as a handbook that accompanies the Preparatory Document for the Synod on Synodality.

The Vademecum provides all the basic information to help a diocese organise the consultation in the diocese.

View Handbook

This Vatican document - the Preparatory Document is designed to accompany the Vademecum.

It explains the objectives of the Synod and the consultation process.

View Document

Resources for Parish Listening Conversations

Below are guides and videos to assist parishes facilitate 'Listening' conversations. Training is being provided to parishes in each deanery area of Co. Derry, Co. Tyrone, Inishowen and Derry City.

For more information or questions please email:

Parish Listening Toolkit

Guide to Facilitating Synodal Consultations

To assist priests and parishes understand and implement the diocesan Synod plan, the Parish Listening Session Toolkit outlines the Synod process and provides:

examples of listening sessions;
prayers; and
the questions for consultation in the Diocese of Derry.

View Toolkit

A practical guide to assist parishes understand the process for facilitating Synodal listening consultations.

View Document

Listening Facilitator Guide

Listening Participants Guide

This Facilitors guide includes listening session outlines and other helpful information for parish facilitators.

View Guide

This Participant guide includes listening session overviews and other helpful information for parish participants.

View Guide

Listening Note Taker outline

Synod Glossary of Terms

Those recording the notes at parish listening sessions can print this outline, which includes the topics that will be discussed.

View Outline

This glossary explains many of the words and terms used in the Synod documents

View Guide

Role of the Listening facilitator explained

Irish Synodal Pathway - the process explained

Spirituality of Synodality explained

Synod popup banners for church display

These popup banner displays have been created for use in Parish Churches.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Click any image to download popup artwork. It is in pdf format. Email the pdf to your print supplier.

Popup Banner Size:
Inform print supplier banner size is 850 x 2500cm (or scale to).

Synod prayer cards for home

English version. Click image to view and download.

Irish version. Click image to view and download.

These prayer cards have been created for use in the home.

Click this button to view Text OF PRAYER to copy

Parishes: Synod prayer cards for commercial printing

Synod Prayer Card Artwork English version

Download ARTWORK FOR ENGLISH VERSION

Synod Prayer Card Artwork Irish version

Download ARTWORK FOR IRISH VERSION

The artwork for the prayer cards have been created for use commercial bulk printing.

INSTRUCTIONS:
Click the download button to view and save the prayer card artwork. It is in pdf format. Email the pdf to your print supplier.

Prayer Card Size:
Inform print supplier card size is 10.5 x 14.5cm. Recommend board: Silk 350gsm

Questions?

Each parish in the Diocese is being asked to have 'listening' conversations. Facilitation training for those conversations are being held throughout the Diocese in January and February.

If you have questions or require information on the Synod process please email: