Synodal Process
In these days, 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”.
This Sunday, 17th October we mark the opening of
this Synodal Process entitled, For a synodal
Church: communion, participation and mission. This
Synodal Process coincides with the start of the twoyear 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.
Pope Francis has asked us to pray continually for
the success of this synodal process. He asks that
we use the words of a very ancient prayer attributed
to St Isodore of Seville who lived in the 6th century.
This prayer has been used at Councils and Synods
of the Church since ancient times.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance
lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
Who are at work in every place and time
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen