Cathal BarryCathal Barry speaks to lay delegates as they step up preparations for the Diocesan synod in 2016
Preparations are well under way in Limerick for the much anticipated synod as the diocese gears up for the spring 2016 assembly.
The synod – the first in Ireland in 50 years and first in the diocese in 70 years – will take place over three days and will bring together 400 delegates who will set out a path to enable the Church in Limerick meet the many challenges it faces in the future.
Fr Éamonn Fitzgibbon, the man Bishop Brendan Leahy has entrusted as director of the synod, is responsible for co-ordinating the many strands of preparation for the assembly, as well as the main event itself. According to Fr Fitzgibbon, the synod was a “logical next step” in a long line of diocesan assemblies concerning pastoral planning down through the years.
He said the diocese had a “tradition of bringing together priests and lay people” with a view to planning for the challenges that lie ahead.
“The synod will formalise that process,” he told The Irish Catholic.
Strategic
In addition to providing a strategic pastoral plan for the diocese, Fr Fitzgibbon is confident the synod in 2016 will mark a “new beginning” for the Church in Limerick.
“It will be an opportunity to start afresh. It will, I hope, breathe new life, new energy into the diocese,” he said.
However, before that can be realised, Fr Fitzgibbon insists the preparatory process itself will have a positive effect. “The preparations for the synod are giving participants a voice and that’s very important,” he said.
Mary Sadlier, a delegate from Crecora, Co. Limerick, agrees.
Noting it’s easy for critics “to sit and snipe on the side-lines”, she feels it’s time for the laity to “step up” to the challenge.
“It’s time for the laity to be more involved in the life of the Church. People at parish level need to feel that they have a voice and that it’s listened to,” she said.
Mary decided to volunteer her services to the synod out of a “genuine respect” for the hard working priests of the diocese who are “very often unsupported” in their role.
She hopes that, through the synod, the diocese can find a “solution” to the problems it faces.
“We badly need to find a way forward because things are falling apart.”
Despite this, however, Mary remains confident.
“There is a great optimism about what this synod can achieve so I would be very hopeful,” she said.
Attractive
Sean Coughlan, who is representing Limerick city at the synod, hopes the assembly will address how make the Church more attractive to young people.
“We need more young people involved in the Church and for that to happen we need to make Mass more relevant to them. They are the future of the Church so we need to address that issue,” he said.
Sean is convinced that the success of the synod will depend on the implementation of the strategic diocesan pastoral plan.
“The success of the synod will only be measured after the event itself. Everybody’s concerns I’m sure will be listened to but change won’t happen unless we take action afterwards.
“I’ve never been involved in anything like this before. This is my opportunity. I’m going in with an open mind and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Nuala Kernan from Caherdavin, Co. Limerick, is also “enthusiastic” about being given the opportunity to take part in such an assembly.
“It’s a fantastic occasion in the life of Limerick. I’m very confident that the synod can bring hope to all aspects of life in the diocese,” she said.
Having been involved in Church activities “for years”, Nuala was keen to get involved in this “terrific” initiative.
“I want to ensure that the community at large know that this is happening. That there is a place that they can voice their concerns.
“I don’t want this opportunity to pass anyone by. This synod is about everybody pulling their weight together for the common good. I hope it will turn the diocese around,” she said.
For full details on the synod, go to its website www.synod2016.com