Vision The Synod, 2021 - 2023 Pope Francis formally opened The Synod in Rome in October 2021. The overall theme is ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’. Jump to: Diocesan Synthesis Involvement in the Synod Diocesan point of contact Diocesan handbook Parish Synod events Diocesan Synod events Synod prayer Synod resources Diocesan Synthesis Complete April 2022: The Diocesan response to The Synod has been completed and sent to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Diocesan Synthesis Archdiocese of Birmingham involvement in The Synod During the Diocesan phase each individual faithful can participate in the diocesan consultation. This phase will end locally with a pre-synodal assembly: the culminating moment of diocesan discernment. The deadline to receive feedback from parish conversations is Monday 28 February. The feedback sheet is on page 17 of the Diocesan handbook. Feedback should be sent to this address: [email protected] The work to be undertaken across the Archdiocese during the Synodal process will be done in conjunction with the ongoing implementation of the Diocesan Vision, Unfolding God’s Plan Diocesan point of contact Canon Paul Fitzpatrick is the Chair of the diocesan Synodal Pathway Committee. You can contact Canon Paul directly at [email protected] Diocesan handbook on the Synod: Walking Together A guide to help kickstart conversations on the Synod in your parishes and communities is now available to download.The 'Walking Together' handbook is a step-by-step guide of what to do as meetings get underway. The deadline to receive feedback from parish conversations is Monday 28 February. The feedback sheet is on page 17 of the Diocesan handbook. Feedback should be sent to this address: [email protected] All are invited to participate. And if you need help please email [email protected] DOWNLOAD handbook Parish Synod Events Conversations are now taking place in parishes and communities across the Archdiocese. We are all invited to journey together. If you're unable to make a meeting in your own parish, consider joining an event at a neighbouring parish. We're happy to promote your events here. Diocesan Synod Events Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission The group's recent forum was held on Zoom and focused on Walk Together - To discuss the Synod and how Justice and Peace can be incorporated into parish and group discussions. How can parish Justice and Peace groups get involved? Canon Paul Fitzpatrick was the guest speaker. You can now watch back four online information sessions, recorded on Zoom. Featuring guest speakers Fr Jan Nowotnik, Dr Mary McCaughey, Canon Paul Fitzpatrick (two parts) and Vron Smith. Handout to accompany Vron Smith's session Adsumus Prayer for the Synod 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 lifeand 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 Download Prayer Synod Resources Listen to podcast: Parish Priest Fr Robert Taylerson introduces Spiritual Discernment in the context of Walking Together. Reflections to help with our Synod journey. Your browser does not support the audio element. Please click here to download the file Watch! Archbishop Bernard's Pastoral Letter on the Synodal Pathway Watch! Explaining the Synod process with Fr Jan Nowotnik Holy Father's Address to the Faithful Suggested tools for reflecting, sharing and responding to the questions of the Synod The Spiritual Conversation Discerning the path for your diocese Synodal Process Preparatory Document Synod Vademecum Mgr Tim Menezes - Time to Reflect, October 2021, Synodality Synod website Pray for the Synod website and app Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales website The Synod - FAQ's