Latest News from the Irish Synodal Pathway and the Universal Synod
At their Spring General Meeting, the Irish Catholic Bishops reflected on the next steps of the Irish Synodal Pathway and the Universal Synod. Recognising that 2026 marks a decisive year in the implementation phase at the level of the universal Church, they reflected on their responsibility to embed synodality more deeply in the life, structures and culture of dioceses and parishes throughout Ireland. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a Church rooted in communion, participation and mission, and to preparing for the evaluation stages foreseen for 2027–2028. You can read the full statement from the Irish Bishops here: Spring Statement 2026
National Synodal Assembly – 17 October 2026
Preparations for the National Synodal Assembly are underway. It will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at the City North Hotel, Co Meath. This gathering will be an important moment in the Irish Synodal Pathway, bringing together representatives from across the Church to consider practical recommendations for the future of the Church in Ireland. Please keep the preparations and all who will take part in your prayers.
Working Groups for Seven Key Priorities
New Working Groups have been established to advance the seven national priorities identified by the Irish Synodal Pathway. These priorities emerged from the voices of thousands of people across parishes, dioceses, schools and Church organisations during the listening and consultation phases in 2021-2025.
The priorities are:
• Belonging
• Co-responsibility and Lay Ministry
• Family
• Formation and Catechesis
• Healing
• Women
• Youth
Each working group includes a bishop, a member of the National Synodal Team, a relevant staff member from the Councils, Commissions and Agencies of the Bishops’ Conference (with responsibility for the particular priority area) and several others with experience from parish, diocesan and institutional settings. Their task is to research best practice and develop practical, mission-focused recommendations for consideration by the National Synodal Team and the Bishops’ Conference ahead of the National Synodal Assembly in October 2026.
Baptised and Sent in Lent
The “Baptised and Sent in Lent” programme has been very positively received across dioceses and parishes, with strong engagement both locally and through online platforms. Participants have been exploring how synodality begins with recognising that all the baptised are called and sent as missionary disciples. Everyone is encouraged to continue participation throughout in the programme throughout Lent as we deepen our understanding of co-responsibility and mission in the Church. You can find out more about Baptised and Sent in Lent or register for the remaining online sessions by clicking on the image below.
Latest News from the Irish Synodal Pathway and the Universal Synod
At their Spring General Meeting, the Irish Catholic Bishops reflected on the next steps of the Irish Synodal Pathway and the Universal Synod. Recognising that 2026 marks a decisive year in the implementation phase at the level of the universal Church, they reflected on their responsibility to embed synodality more deeply in the life, structures and culture of dioceses and parishes throughout Ireland. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a Church rooted in communion, participation and mission, and to preparing for the evaluation stages foreseen for 2027–2028. You can read the full statement from the Irish Bishops here: Spring Statement 2026
National Synodal Assembly – 17 October 2026
Preparations for the National Synodal Assembly are underway. It will take place on Saturday, 17 October 2026, at the City North Hotel, Co Meath. This gathering will be an important moment in the Irish Synodal Pathway, bringing together representatives from across the Church to consider practical recommendations for the future of the Church in Ireland. Please keep the preparations and all who will take part in your prayers.
Working Groups for Seven Key Priorities
New Working Groups have been established to advance the seven national priorities identified by the Irish Synodal Pathway. These priorities emerged from the voices of thousands of people across parishes, dioceses, schools and Church organisations during the listening and consultation phases in 2021-2025.
The priorities are:
• Belonging
• Co-responsibility and Lay Ministry
• Family
• Formation and Catechesis
• Healing
• Women
• Youth
Each working group includes a bishop, a member of the National Synodal Team, a relevant staff member from the Councils, Commissions and Agencies of the Bishops’ Conference (with responsibility for the particular priority area) and several others with experience from parish, diocesan and institutional settings. Their task is to research best practice and develop practical, mission-focused recommendations for consideration by the National Synodal Team and the Bishops’ Conference ahead of the National Synodal Assembly in October 2026.
Baptised and Sent in Lent
The “Baptised and Sent in Lent” programme has been very positively received across dioceses and parishes, with strong engagement both locally and through online platforms. Participants have been exploring how synodality begins with recognising that all the baptised are called and sent as missionary disciples. Everyone is encouraged to continue participation throughout in the programme throughout Lent as we deepen our understanding of co-responsibility and mission in the Church. You can find out more about Baptised and Sent in Lent or register for the remaining online sessions by clicking on the link.
Video: A clear ‘checklist’ of structural reforms from the Synod on Synodality
In our latest video, Rev Professor Eamon Conway explains that synodality involves both:
• personal conversion, and
• structural renewal in the Church
It is about enabling every baptised person to share responsibility for the Church’s mission according to their gifts and vocation. He highlights how parish and diocesan pastoral councils and other participatory bodies can help the Church live out communion, participation and mission in everyday life and how there is a very clear ‘checklist’ of structural reforms from the Synod on Synodality that should be implemented in the Universal Church. You can watch the video below.
