Parish Synodal Group

The Synodal Pathway is Pope Francis’s invitation for the whole Church to walk together — to listen, pray, and discern what the Holy Spirit is saying to us today. He describes synodality as “the privileged way to achieve communion in the Church.”

This is not a one-off exercise, but a way of being Church: rooted in prayer, open to dialogue, and ready to act with hope. Each local parish and diocese is part of this journey, seeking new ways to listen, decide, and serve together so that every baptised person can share fully in the Church’s life and mission.

In the words of the Final Document:

“Synodality is a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform that enables the Church to be more participatory and missionary, so that it can walk with every man and woman, radiating the light of Christ.”

You are warmly invited to take part in this ongoing process — through conversation, prayer, and shared discernment — as together we seek to recognise the Spirit at work in our parish and beyond.

Resources for further reading:

Cardinal Grech: Third phase of synodal process is ‘step forward’ for Church – Vatican News
A helpful summary of the most recent stage of the Synod, showing how the process continues to grow and guide the Church worldwide.

Pope Francis: ‘Synod final document forms part of papal Magisterium’ – Vatican News
Pope Francis reminds us that synodality is not a passing trend but part of the Church’s living teaching and mission.

Final Document of the Synod on Synodality (English, 65 pages)
The full Vatican text setting out the theological vision and next steps for a synodal Church.

Bishops’ Reflection: National Synthesis (England & Wales)
A reflection from our Bishops’ Conference on what has emerged from parishes across the country and how the journey continues here at home.

Next meeting: Please come and join the Group

Our next Synodal Group meeting will take place on Monday 3rd November at 4.00 pm in the Parish Office near St Augustine Church.
Everyone is welcome,  whether you’ve taken part before or are simply curious about what this means in practice.

There’s no need to book, just come along for an open, friendly conversation about faith, community and how we walk together as Church. Tea and biscuits will be waiting. For those looking for a helpful quick primer, Steve Webb has kindly provided a summary below of the final document on the synod of synodality.