Below is a letter from Bishop Ger to the people of the diocese inviting them to meet with him as part of the synodal process.
Dear Friends
As we begin our journey through Lent 2022, I want to talk to you about an exciting new development which will be part of our church life this year. It is the preparation for the Synod of the whole church which will take place in October 2023. But even though that is a bit of time in the future, Pope Francis has asked every Diocese in the world to begin now the conversations which will provide a good idea of the reality of peoples’ lives so that the Synod will be rooted in the lived experience of people.
One phrase which sums up the purpose of the Synod is;
“To dream about the Church we are called to be, to make hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, warm hearts and restored strength to our hands for the common mission” (Synod Preparatory Document).
This is a wonderful vision but a challenging one and it starts with small but definite steps. I am writing to all the people of the Diocese of Ferns to invite you to join me in this first step. There will be four meetings across the Diocese in the coming weeks for the four different areas of the Diocese at the venues listed below .
Monday March 21st at 7.30 pm in the Brandon House Hotel, New Ross
Tuesday, March 22nd at 7.30 pm in Colaiste Bríde, Enniscorthy
Monday, April 4th at 7.30 pm in Whites Hotel, Wexford
Tuesday, April 5th at 7.30 pm in Amber Springs Hotel, Gorey.
The purpose of the meetings will be to hold conversations to explore and discuss Pope Francis’ question - What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?
The invitation is extended young and old, to those who are regular attenders at church and those who are not. All that matters is that you feel that you would have something to contribute to the discussion. The discussion will be facilitated by Dermot O’Neill and I will attend all four meetings.
I am looking forward to meeting you on any one of the four nights,
With every blessing and good wish.
Yours sincerely,
+Ger Nash
Bishop of Ferns