Dublin Diocese to start synod discussions in New Year

Dublin Diocese to start synod discussions in New Year Pope Francis gives the homily as he celebrates a Mass to open the process that will lead up to the assembly of the world Synod of Bishops in 2023, in St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, October 10, 2021. Photo: CNS

The Archdiocese of Dublin has announced that a synodal process of discussion and discernment will begin across the diocese in the New Year, according to a letter sent by the archbishop.

Archbishop Dermot Farrell also announced that a taskforce aimed at developing their pastoral plan has been created.

He said: “It is my intention to invite the whole diocesan family, and every parish, to begin the process of discussion and discernment early in the New Year, and, with the help of the pastoral strategy group, to provide guidelines and suggestions to support this journey, which will be, in itself, an expression of the synodal path on which the Church has embarked.”

The initiation of the synodal discussion process in the archdiocese aims to prepare it for the upcoming national synod which will involve all the dioceses of Ireland.

The ‘Pastoral Strategy Implementation Group’ will advise the archbishop and will develop the archdiocese’s pastoral plan having regard for the recommendations of the wide-ranging ‘Building Hope’ taskforce and the ‘Sacraments Implementation Group’, which focused on the sacraments with young people and their families.

“The strategy that has been recommended involves principles to guide our renewal, a process of engagement that would involve the whole diocesan family, and a framework to guide discussion and discernment,” Dr Farrell said.