During the Chrism Mass on Wednesday of Holy Week, Bishop John formally convoked the Salford Diocesan Synod. The Diocesan Synod is an opportunity for the bishop, priests and lay-people of our diocese to come together in a spirit of prayer, discerning what God is asking of His Church in our diocese, and living out our calling to be Missionary Disciples.
Bishop John explained that during the Diocesan Synod:
“We will embark upon a more intense listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church in our Diocese so as to discern God’s plan for our journey in the years to come.”
The Synod will involve all priests and deacons with an appointment in the diocese, as well as two lay members from each parish, and 6 from each deanery. Religious sisters, brothers, and priests, together with the Synod Working Group, will make up the rest of the body. It will be a collaborative and participatory journey by which the people of Salford, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, can together set the future direction and priorities of the life and mission of our diocese.
We are called upon by Bishop John to “be bold and creative in listening to how the Spirit may be speaking to us today in Scripture, Tradition, and in the voices of those within and beyond our Catholic community.”
To keep up with the latest news about the Diocesan Synod, click here.
What Does the Synod Mean for our Parish?
This is a great opportunity to have our voice heard as the cathedral parish – a chance to share with our fellow Catholics where we feel the Spirit is guiding our community. Two lay representatives from our parish will be chosen to voice our hopes, concerns and experiences to the wider diocese. This will help to steer the Diocese of Salford’s future mission in a changing world.
We therefore invite you to adopt the prayer for the Synod as part of your daily prayer. We will recite the prayer for the Synod here at the cathedral during every celebration of Holy Mass until the final meeting of the Synod has taken place in 2025.
Prayer for the Synod
Loving Father,
be with us as we seek new ways of being your people in our Diocese.
May each new day bring us closer to your son Jesus, as we follow his teaching and
become disciples of love.
As we continue our Synodal journey, draw us closer to each other.
May the truth of your Spirit enlighten us.
Open our hearts, as we listen to each other and reach out in love to your people.
Stay with us, Lord, on our journey.
Amen
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
