The Bishop will launch the Synodal journey for our Diocese today at the Cathedral evening Mass. He  invites us to use the following prayer based on one attributed to St Isidore of Seville:

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

Pope Francis has initiated a ‘synodal journey’ for the universal Church and invites every local Church to participate in the first phase of a two-year process. Between October 2021 and April 2022, every diocese is asked to consult as widely as possible, listen, reflect and discuss, “How does this ‘journeying together’ allow the Church to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the mission entrusted to her?” (Extract from Vatican News Article)

The Fundamental Question

26. The fundamental question that guides this consultation of the People of God, as mentioned at the beginning, is the following:

A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together:” How is this “journeying together” happening today in your particular Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?

In order to respond, you are invited to:

a) ask yourselves what experiences in your particular Church the fundamental question calls to mind;

b) reread these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they provoke? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds have they brought to light? What insights have they elicited?

c) gather the fruits to share: Where, in these experiences, does the voice of the Spirit resound? What is he asking of us? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? Where do we register a consensus? What paths are opening up for our particular Church?

For more information on the Synod please go to Documento Preparatorio della XVI Assemblea Generale Ordinaria del Sinodo dei Vescovi (vatican.va) or Pope Francis initiates 'Synodal Journey' for the Church - Brentwood Diocese (dioceseofbrentwood.net)

For more information on how you can take part please contact in the parish is Angie Hart (Steward of the Gospel)This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.