“Walking Together” in our Parish – Our Synodal Journey

During the Advent Season we will join with all the parishes of our Diocese in the deep listening exercise asked of us by Pope Francis, around the four themes of “Listening”, “Mission”, “Celebrate” and “Let Us Dream”.  We are really blessed to have four facilitators in our parish to help us to listen and reflect prayerfully on these themes: Vivienne Brewster, Monika Manser, Eduarda Santos and Jane Wardle.  Thanks for their generosity in taking on this important role for us.

It is important that we all make this a priority and a central part of our Advent preparation for Christmas.  More details about times and places for our parish “Walking Together” will be added to this page each week with the ability to feedback via our website as well as either in person or by contacting the parish office.

  • Advent 1:

    Listen

    “The Synod offers us the opportunity to become a Church of closeness, that does not stand aloof from life, but immerses herself in today’s problems and needs, bandaging wounds and healing broken hearts with the balm of God.” Pope Francis

    THEMES FOR REFLECTION – available HERE

    Download here or feedback anonymously via the webform here.

  • Advent 2:

    Mission

    “There is so much richness in our diocese which we need to be open to encountering and receiving, such diversity but all united together in the power of the Spirit of the Risen Jesus.”  Bishop Mark O’Toole

    THEMES FOR REFLECTION – available HERE

    Download here or feedback anonymously via the webform here.

    Advent 2:

  • Advent 3:

    Celebrate

    “The Synod offers us the opportunity to become a listening Church, to break out of our routine and pause from our pastoral concerns in order to stop and listen.” Pope Francis

    THEMES FOR REFLECTION – available HERE

    Download here or feedback anonymously via the webform here.

  • Advent 4:

    Let us Dream

    “In his freedom, the Holy Spirit knows no borders, nor does He allow Himself to be limited by memberships. If the parish is home to all in the neighbourhood, not an exclusive club, I recommend: leave the doors and windows open…Allow all to enter….”

    Pope Francis

    THEMES FOR REFLECTION – available HERE

    Download here or feedback anonymously via the webform here.

    Advent 4:

The next step will be for the facilitator/scribe to share the group’s reflections with the Synodal working group.  But this process doesn’t end there!  This listening process will become part of a longer term shift in the way we walk together as Christians and helps us grow in faith as individuals and as a Church.

We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.

The wider church

For more information about the synodal journey for the whole of the wider church see the Catholic Church in England and Wales Synodal Journey webpage here.