Synod
Instrumentum Laboris
The Instrumentum Laboris, the official working document for the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, was launched on 20 June 2023. A large number of people from various parts of the world with different expertise prepared this important text which will animate all the work of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (4th-29th October 2023).
View the document Instrumentum LaborisInstrumentum Laboris Newsletter
On Sunday, 25th June 2023, Mr Thierry Bonaventura, the Communications Manger for the Universal Synod issued the following newsletter and further information in relation to the Instrumentum Laboris and the methodology that will be used for the Synod in taking place in October 4th - 29th this year.
View newsletter to Instrumentum LaborisEuropean Continental Assembly - part of the Universal Synod
The continental stage of the Synod is organised by the Council of European Bishops' Conferences, in collaboration with the Czech Bishops' Conference and the Archdiocese of Prague.
Venue: Prague (Czech Republic)
Dates: 5 - 12 February 2023
From 5 to 12 February 2023, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh along with thirteen other delegates from across Ireland, attended the first ever European Assembly of a Synod within the Catholic Church, in Prague, Czechia.
This was one of seven continental assemblies convening across five continents in a new stage of the universal Synodal Process.
View the Assembly final remarks
View what the Bishops have commited to
Next Steps – Synodal Pathway in Ireland
Speaking notes from the Irish delegation attending the Continental Assembly of the Synod in Prague
Continental Stage of the Synod
Diocese of Derry Synod Working Group Reflection on the Continental Stage of the Universal Synod
December 2022
The Secretariat for the Synod in Rome released the working document for the Continental Stage of the Universal Synod on Thursday, 27th October 2022. This is the fruit of the syntheses received from 112 Bishops’ Conferences, including Ireland that is unprecedented in the history of the Church. The Continental Stage document can be downloaded here.
The Diocese of Derry synod working group were invited to read through and compare the Diocese of Derry submission, Ireland's National Synthesis, and the Document for the Continental Stage and submit their responses by 22nd December 2022. This reflection is published below for reading and sharing.
Diocese of Derry Synod Report
May 2022
The people of the Diocese of Derry have taken part in parish discussions, online contributions and deanery gatherings during recent months in response to the call from Pope Francis about the next Synod.
The fruit of this listening has been collated and a synthesis is now submitted to form part of a national synthesis. This diocesan document is published below for reading and sharing.
The entire Catholic Church is called to participate in the upcoming Synod of Bishops! This Synod is entitled: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”
Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together. This Synod is not just another meeting with oral presentations and written reports. This Synod is a process of journeying together by listening, dialoguing, praying, discerning and making decisions together for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pope Francis is asking each local diocese to gather – clergy, religious and laity together- to listen to each other. The “goal” of this journeying together is not to create a new vision or pastoral plan with objectives. Rather, the goal of our journeying together is to be present with one another, to listen and learn with each other, and to grow closer to the Lord and His Church.
Diocese of Derry Synod on Synodality Timeline
October 2021
Preparation
Preparing materials for the consultation process.
October 2021
28 November 2021
Guided catechesis
Guided catechesis each Sunday of Advent... view >
Sunday, 28th November, 5th, 12th and 19th December.
Early January 2022
Training
Early January 2022
Sunday, 16 January 2022
Listening
Period of local consultation and listening sessions.
Friday, 29 April 2022
Parish Response to Listening Gatherings
Friday, 29 April 2022
May 2022
Deanery Gatherings - Sharing Fruits Together
Sunday, 29th May 2022
Diocesan Synthesis - Diocese of Derry Report
View the Synod report.
Sunday, 29th May 2022
December 2022
Diocese of Derry reflection on the Continental Stage of the Universal Synod
View the Reflection.
Irish Synodal Pathway
The process explained
Fr Eamonn also explains that "This process is not meant to be a burden on anyone. It is not meant to draw energy from the work going on in each parish as people attend the urgent needs of their own community"
Synod on Synodality
All you need to know
What are we being asked to do?
The Holy Father, Pope Francis is asking that the entire Church participate in this Synod. The faithful, clergy and religious are invited to pray, listen, and talk together with the Bishops before the 2023 gathering of Bishops in Rome. In our Diocese, we will pray, listen and talk with one another through parish and diocesan listening sessions.
"This is the start of our Synodal Journey"
Help for Parishes
Guidance and promotion materials
Parish Preparation
RESOURCE GUIDES & VIDEOS
Parish Promotion
LOGO, BANNERS...
Banners for Churches, Prayer Cards, Posters and more.
Parish Listening Session
TOOLKIT
This toolkit will help priests and parishes understand and implement the diocesan Synod plan.