The Irish National Synod assembly took place in Gormanstown, Co Meath on Saturday 17th October. This was a historic day for the Catholic Church in Ireland where 300 delegates came together to discuss several proposals put forward in the working document entitled “Is not this what God asks of you”? The Diocese was represented by Bishop Phonsie and lay delegates Annie Ryan, Mary Dee, Fr. Conor Kelly, Tom Beecher and Declan Murphy. Maura Murphy from Holy Family Mission was a delegate on behalf of the Working group on Family and Robert Duggan was representing Missio Ireland.
The Irish Synodal Pathway began in 2021 when the Bishops of Ireland invited the Church to embark on a process of renewal inviting people throughout the Church to engage in prayer, listening and reflection, and to reflect on important questions about the identity and mission of the Church in Ireland, including its pastoral life, structures, relationships, ministry and place in society. Through this process, Baptism emerged as a foundational lens for understanding the identity and mission of the Church, leading to seven priorities: belonging; co-responsibility and lay ministry; family; formation and catechesis; healing; women; and youth.
More information may be found on https://www.catholicbishops.ie/2026/10/17/national-synodal-assembly-proposals-to-inform-future-of-church-life-in-ireland/
The work will continue as Archbishop Martin said; “With regard to the particular recommendations made today, it may be that some can be activated easily and quickly. Others will require greater planning, deployment of resources and personnel. I also hope that initiatives which are already happening around the country can be shared with greater clarity in the light of the momentum coming from today’s Assembly.”