Synod 2021 – 2023

Pope Francis and the Synod office in Rome are inviting the whole Church to become Synodal.

‘Listening with the Heart’ – Clifton Diocese Synodal Response

On Wednesday 22 June, our diocesan family joyfully gathered at the cathedral. Bishop Declan invited every parish, school, and religious order to an Evening Liturgy and presented the Clifton Diocesan Synodal report. The liturgy began with music from the St Nicholas of Tolentino choir leading us into a reflective and joyful celebration. In his own reflection Bishop Declan’s words focused on the overarching themes that emerged from the many responses that the Synod team received. He encouraged us all to see the Synodal journey as a new way to move forward and grow as a Church within Clifton Diocese.

Below is Bishop Declan’s Reflection.

Click the image on the right to download a copy of ‘Listening with the Heart’ Clifton Diocese Synodal Response

Prayer for the Synod

Adsumus Prayer for the Synod

Preparatory Document

Synod Vademecum

The documents below are the Delegates’ Guide to Synodal Pathway. They are for clergy, parish representatives and those organising the synodal pathway. Videos for the information day can be found below.

Delegates Guide to Synodal Pathway

For a Synodal Church – Facilitator’s Guide

For a Synodal Church Toolkit

Interactive Listening Activities

Questions Communion Participation Mission

Recorder notes

Submitting Data

Report on the Process

Synodal Conversations – Participants Materials

A guide to listening deeply

For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission

Group Session Record Form

Parish Listening Exercise – Process Flow

Conversation Starters for non-parish based synodal groups

Report on the Process

In collaboration with the University of Newcastle in Australia and the Catholic Women’s Council, Catholic Women Speak is conducting an online survey—available in six languages—to gather feedback from women around the world for the Synod:

https://catholicwomenspeak.com/catholic-women-international-synod-survey/

Bishop Declan welcome’s the Synod process

The next two years in the life of the Church

what exactly is synodality and what does it mean for Catholics in England and Wales? Fr Chris Thomas, General Secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, and Father Jan Nowotnik, Director of Mission, discuss the process and explain this invitation to communion, participation and mission.