The Diocesan Synod journey is about to enter its next phase as churches, parishes, schools, agencies and individuals submit their feedback.

Over the last few months all have been invited to take part in a variety of conversations, discussions, meetings, workshops and surveys focused on the Synod.

Following the theme ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’ it has been great to learn so many people across the Archdiocese have actively got involved in our ‘Walking Together’ journey.

Responses from our parishes and communities are due by Monday 28 February, after which the next phase of our Synod journey begins.

Diocesan Discernment: During the month of March various 'reading groups' representing every aspect of Diocesan life will be invited to gather at St Chad’s Cathedral to read and discern the responses from parishes, schools and individuals, so that every response will be read several times.

This process is two-fold: it will enable Archbishop Bernard Longley to produce the Diocesan response to the Synod, a 10-page document to be presented to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales.

It will also provide an opportunity to feed directly into our Diocesan Vision, Unfolding God’s Plan, and our own priorities. (Evangelisation, Formation, Liturgy and Worship, Social Outreach – with co-responsibility, young people and families a focus in each of these areas).

Canon Paul Fitzpatrick, Chair of the diocesan Synodal Pathway Committee, said: “I would like to thank all who have contributed to the Synod conversations.

“The feedback we receive will prove invaluable as we move forward as an Archdiocese. It will also show we have embraced the Holy Father’s invitation to take part in the worldwide Synodal process.

“We have been listening actively, speaking from the heart, with a lively hope. It has been an uplifting experience.

“Please continue to pray for the Synod as we enter this next phase.”

The results of this next stage of our journey will be made available in due course.

Access Synod resources