SYNOD UPDATE: EMBRACING OUR BAPTISMAL CALL

By Sean O'Leary

As we journey together as the People of God, the recent Summer Statement from the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference invites us to pause and reflect on the beauty and challenge of synodality - a way of being Church that calls us to listen deeply, walk together, and respond to the Spirit’s promptings. Rooted in the rich discussions of the Irish Synodal Pathway and the Universal Synod on Synodality, this moment offers us an opportunity to renew our commitment to living out our baptismal dignity with courage and hope.

The National Synodal Team’s discernment, drawing from voices across Ireland - dioceses, religious communities, lay groups and associations - reveals a shared longing: a Church where every person embraces their identity as a beloved child of God, called to participate fully, share responsibility and go forth as missionary disciples. This longing finds its foundation in Baptism, reminding us that our shared journey begins not with structures or strategies, but with the grace of our baptismal calling - a call to unity, inclusion and mission.

This focus on Baptism speaks to each of us. Whether we are young or old, clergy or lay, active in parish life or seeking a deeper connection, our Baptism binds us together. It invites us to ask: How am I living out my responsibility as a member of Christ’s Body? How can I listen more deeply to others, especially those who feel excluded or unheard? How might I share the joy of the Gospel in my daily life? These questions are not abstract - they are the heartbeat of a synodal Church, where every voice matters, and every step forward is taken together.

On the universal level, the Synod on Synodality calls us to a global journey of accompaniment and evaluation. Synodality is not about imposing directives from above but about receiving the Synod’s wisdom through the lens of our local realities. As dioceses worldwide register with the Synod Secretariat and engage in this process, we are invited to trust that the Holy Spirit is at work, weaving together the diverse threads of our global Church into communion and mission. This journey, culminating in the ecclesial assembly in Rome in 2028, is a sign of hope - a reminder that we are part of something greater, a universal family united in Christ.

As we prepare for the Pre-Synodal Assembly and continue this synodal journey, let us hold fast to the promise of Baptism: that we are called, gifted and sent. May we listen with open hearts, walk with humility and act with boldness, trusting that the Spirit is guiding us toward a Church that reflects the love and unity of Christ. Let us pray for one another, for our dioceses, and for the global Church, that we may be faithful to this call and bear witness to the Gospel in our time.