April 2022 update – added to this page:-
Christ the King Parish, Bedford (Synod Individual Response)
Christ the King Parish, Bedford (Synod – various conversation groups)
Synod Report for the Diocese of Northampton
What is the Synodal Church?
A two-year ‘synodal’ process is taking place in the Catholic Church that culminates in the final Synod Gathering of Bishops in Rome in October 2023. The overall theme is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission”.
But what exactly is ‘synodality’ and what does it mean for Catholics in England and Wales? Fr Chris Thomas, General Secretary of the Bishops’ Conference and Father Jan Nowotnik, Director of Mission, discuss the process and explain this invitation to communion, participation and mission.
“Our Holy Father Pope Francis has invited the Catholic Church to embark on a two year synodal journey together. Its title is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission” and culminates in the final Synod Gathering of Bishops in Rome in October 2023.”
It’s an invitation for us, as Catholics, to ‘walk together’ and every member of the Church has the right to speak, and the obligation to allow those charged with the work of discernment the freedom to do so. As Pope Francis said at the worldwide launch:
“The Spirit asks us to listen to the questions, concerns and hopes of every Church, people and nation. And to listen to the world, to the challenges and changes that it sets before us… Let us listen to one another.”
In his letter, Bishop David is asking all of us to get involved in our diocesan Synod process.
“The purpose of the Synod is not to produce more documents. Rather, it is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be”
The process begins in the Particular (or Local) Church and then moves to the level of the Bishops’ Conference. From there, discernment takes place in the Regional Area – for England and Wales, it would be steered by the European Council of Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE) – before moving to the Universal Church with the final Synod Gathering of Bishops in 2023.
Download – Christ the King Parish, Bedford (Synod Individual Response)
Download – Christ the King Parish, Bedford (Synod – various conversation groups)
Download – Synod Report for the Diocese of Northampton
For more information regarding our diocese go to northamptondiocese.org/for-a-synodal-church/
Download – Parish Synod Handbook Diocese of Northampton
The Prayer to the Holy Spirit for the Synod: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus is available to read here.