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 Preparatory Document is designed to accompany the Vademecum.
It explains the objectives of the Synod and the consultation process.
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: synod@derrydiocese.org
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.
A practical guide to assist parishes understand the process for facilitating Synodal listening consultations.
Listening Facilitator Guide
Listening Participants Guide
This Facilitors guide includes listening session outlines and other helpful information for parish facilitators.
This Participant guide includes listening session overviews and other helpful information for parish participants.
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.
This glossary explains many of the words and terms used in the Synod documents
Role of the Listening facilitator explained
Irish Synodal Pathway - the process explained
Spirituality of Synodality explained
Synod popup banners for church display
Synod prayer cards for home
These prayer cards have been created for use in the home.
Parishes: Synod prayer cards for commercial printing
Synod Prayer Card Artwork English version
Synod Prayer Card Artwork 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:
synod@derrydiocese.org
Official Synod Logo
OFFICIAL SYNOD LOGO
Download: Logo in English
Download: Brand manual for the correct and allowed use of the Synod Logo
OFFICIAL LOGO AS GAEILGE
Download: As Gaeilge