Parish Synod report submitted to Archdiocese

A 'disappointing' turnout of adults in the recent Parish Synod — just 19 over two meetings, including the two priests of the parish and the three animators — was in some ways counterbalanced by the 'enthusiastic' participation of primary and secondary school pupils in the process, writes Brian Byrne.

That's one of a number of takeaways from the Synod's Report Summary published by the animators in the June issue of The Bridge. The schools meetings were held separately from those for the adults, and involved 49 and 61 students respectively from the higher classes of the primary and secondary schools.

The meetings were designed to gather peoples' views of the Catholic Church today and its future, which will inform the Irish hierarchy's contribution to the Synod called for 2023 in Rome by Pope Francis. The discussions at each meeting related to 'joys, sorrows, hopes and fears' around the Church. The organisers — animators — were Evelyn McKenzie-Smith, Robert Jordan and Howard Berney. The full report was submitted to the Archdiocese on 4 May 2022.

The report highlights findings that include how faith and the sacraments 'bring great joy' to individual members of the church, but also that there is 'apathy and anger' about the institution both among church-goers and non-attenders. It is concluded that a further emphasis on evangelisation is 'essential' to counter those feelings, and convey to people the 'considerable benefits' to be gained through participation in the sacraments and the community of the church.

The authors also note that the Catholic ethos presently available in most primary schools provides 'a very considerable grounding' in the faith for the children concerned. They emphasise that it would be detrimental if this opportunity is removed in the future, with no satisfactory alternative solution being put in place by the church.

Among the themes that evolved at the Synod meetings are that youth must be encouraged very specifically, that there is 'real cause for concern' for the future of a vibrant Catholic Church ethos in Ireland, and that 'significant change' is required within the institution. Notwithstanding the serious scandals of the past, the discussions elicited a strong appreciation for the ongoing contributions of priests to community life, although there's also a concern about what their diminishing numbers will mean for the future of the church.

The key 'joy' expressed in the feedback was music and singing at mass and the opportunity to be part of an extended Catholic community. The main focus under 'sorrow' was the sadness associated by remembering in prayer those who have passed and attending funerals. Under 'hope' there was a 'trust in God and the power of prayer', while funerals and fear of dying and not getting to heaven were the biggest concerns under the 'fears' category.

The organisers expressed their thanks to all who took part, and in particular to the teachers in the school for involving so many of their students.

The Synod of Bishops, concluding a process that began in October 2021, will take place in Rome in October of next year.

Photographs use Policy — Privacy Policy