The Catholic Church around the world has been on a monumental journey. People have gathered locally and regionally, so they could feed into the General Assemblies of the Synod on the theme 'For a Synodal Church: Communion Participation, Mission'. As a result of these assemblies, we have the final document to guide us as we continue this journey.
Final Document - For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission (English Translation)
Pope Francis has recently emphasized that this journey is not over, but that we are in the implementation phase. To help with this, we want to be guided by this important document and so we are working with The School for Synodality to offer an online, six session book club.
If you live, work or pray in Westminster Diocese, we would love to connect with you and build a community of people journeying together, firstly through this series, then through other events that help us put the wisdom of this document into action. These sessions will be in a webinar format and you need to book in order to join the webinar. You can book with us at the Agency for Evangelisation (using the online form below) to receive the joining information and links to videos so you can watch what you missed.
Alternatively, you can contact evangelisation@rcdow.org.uk for help with booking.
Webinar Dates and Themes
Wednesday 21st May, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Part 1: The Heart of Synodality - understanding the theological roots of what we are about. (Pages 9 -18)
- with Jos Moons SJ
"Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved." (John 20:1-2).
Wednesday 28th May, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Part 2: The Conversion of Relationships - Mission and Ministry in a Changing World (Pages 19 - 29)
- with Prof Anna Rowlands
"Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’" (John 21:2-3).
Wednesday 4th June, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Part 3: The Conversion of Processes - discernment, decision-making and accountability (Pages 30 - 38)
- with Dr Estela Padilla
"Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish." (John 21:5-6).
Wednesday 11th June, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Part 4: The Conversion of Bonds - the geeky week, Vatican Dicasteries, Episcopal Conferences, relating to other churches and religions, the role of the Pope (Pages 39 - 48)
- with Prof Cathy Clifford
"The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish […]. Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn." (John 21:8.11).
Wednesday 18th June, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Part 5: Forming a People for Missionary Discipleship - we need everyone in the boat (Pages 49 - 52)
- with David McCallum SJ & Sandra Chaoul
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20, 21-22).
Wednesday 25th June, 7:30pm - 9:00pm, Conclusion: A Feast for All Peoples - what next for our Church? (Pages 53 - 54)
- with Archbishop Jason Gordon
School for Synodality
The Agency for Evangelisation is working in collaboration with the School for Synodality to offer this series. To find out more about what is on offer, visit schoolforsynodality.org.uk
To watch webinars of a similar style on the theme of Practicing Synodality, you are welcome to visit: Practising Synodality Webinars — School for Synodality