THE SEVEN SYNODAL PATHWAY PRIORITIES

On Saturday 18th October, there was a pre-synodal assembly held in Kilkenny to shape concrete pathways for renewal in the Irish Church. 230 Synodal Pathway delegates, from across the island, attended the Pre-Synodal Assembly in Kilkenny’s Convention Centre.  

In preparation for their meeting, delegates had reflected on Baptised and Sent - the preparatory document for the Pre-Synodal Assembly.

Welcoming the attendees to Kilkenny, Bishop Niall Coll, Bishop of Ossory, said that discussions offered an opportunity “for a national conversation about the how the Spirit is leading the Irish Church today.”   A picture emerged of both hopes and tensions shaping the Church, and of the directions that the Spirit is calling the faithful.  The assembly's purpose was to shape concrete pathways for renewal, rooted in our baptismal calling, ahead of next year’s National Synodal Assembly.

Seven priorities were presented by the National Synodal Team for discussion amongst delegates:

1. Belonging: fostering a Church of welcome, inclusion, and safety where each person finds a home in community and in Christ.

2. Co-responsibility and Lay Ministry: empowering all the baptised, women and men, to share responsibility for leadership and mission through new models of ministry and decision-making.

3. Family: supporting the domestic Church as the primary place of faith transmission and belonging, and strengthening its connection with parishes and schools.

4. Formation and Catechesis: deepening faith through lifelong formation that is Christ-centred, experiential, and equips the baptised for discipleship in today’s world, rooted not only in learning but also in liturgy and sacramental life, so that prayer and worship become living sources of faith, understanding, and mission.

5. Healing: acknowledging wounds, especially those caused by abuse; committing to accountability, justice, and reconciliation; and ensuring safe spaces for survivors and all who carry pain.

6. Women: recognising and including women’s gifts, leadership, and co-responsibility at every level of Church life, as a matter of justice and credibility.

7. Youth: engaging young people with authenticity, offering them meaningful roles in leadership and mission, and listening to their hopes and challenges.

During the assembly, various delegates offered their opinion on the Irish Synodal Pathway:

Prior to delivering the final address, Archbishop Eamon Martin, said, “synodality is not a new idea - it has been part of our Church, and what we are trying to do is to rediscover it as a way of being Church today, which Pope Francis kept telling us.” 

You can watch and listen to Archbishop Eamon's closing address above