Synod

On behalf of the Diocesan Synodal Team, I have great pleasure in sharing the completed Diocesan Synodal Report available here . If you wish to comment to us, you can do so at madeleine.walters@rcadc.org Thank you to all of you who supported the synodal process in your parish.

Four documents are available which have been issued from the Synod Office outlining the next phase in the work towards the Synod of Bishops in 2023-2024. This is known as the “Continental Stage” where the Bishops’ Conferences of the area in which you live (for us in Europe the CCEE will be leading on this) send delegations to an ecclesial gathering for further discernment of the theme of the Synod: For a Synodal Church: Communion, participation, mission. The documentation is available here: The Working Document for the Continental Stage (DCS) Frequently Asked Questions regarding the next stage of the process An updated Infographic for the whole Synodal Process 4. There was a Press Conference which presented the Working Document today which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKYiTsXYnwk

A Reflection from the Bishops of England and Wales following the compilation of the Synodal National Synthesis Document can be read here

Please find links below to the report following the Parish Synod meeting that took place in Hedley Lodge, Belmont, on. Saturday 3rd December The report is available here: Report on Synod Meeting held at Belmont Abbey 3rd December Excerpts from the Document for the Continental Stage that were discussed; Synod Day Excerpts Personal submissions in response to the Synod Day Excerpts are welcomed. +Mark writes; “Please invite individuals and groups in the parishes, to share any responses on the three questions, direct with me. It is an opportunity for me to hear direct from our parishioners, as somebody ‘new’ to the two Dioceses, if they would like. I am especially keen to hear from those who have not participated up to now. I am asking that these be shared with me by 20th December.” Please forwarded responses to Fr. Laurence Bryce, Private Secretary to Archbishop Mark O'Tool at privatesecretary@rcadc.org

Please find below the response to the Document of the Continental Stage from Archbishop Mark O'Toole, in Cardiff and Menevia. The report is available here: Response to the Document of the Continental Stage from Archbishop Mark O'Toole

Implementing the Synod: Becoming a synodal missionary Church in and around Herefordshire. Saturday, 18th January 2025 - Full Day 10am-4pm (Bring packed lunch) 

We had had a number of emails relating to the Working Document, saying it was too long and not easy to read. There was a call for a shorter and simpler version. The Diocesan Synodal Team (DST) recognised that it is actually a beautiful document but felt that we had to answer the call. A member of the DST spent considerable time writing. a shorter and simpler version. The documentation is available here: Working document summary

LECTIO DIVINA: This is a way of opening our hearts to reading scripture in the Holy Spirit. It is an ancient practice, commended by St Benedict in his Rule. Lectio, whether in a group or on your own, begins with prayer, and then focuses on a brief passage of scripture. Read it several times, silently or aloud, and just allow yourself to sit with it. Be open to the Holy Spirit and to the Word of God - allowing yourself to be moved by it. Let it resonate with you and think about what it is saying to you. This helps us grow in love of scripture, and is a way of growing into prayer.

Our Synod report is now ready for you to see. It has been challenging trying to amalgamate a wide variety of responses, we have tried hard not to leave anything out. It was tricky fitting it into the template we were sent after having distributed our questionnaire!! Download here and a few paper copies in the porch. A copy can be emailed on request. Thank you