Synodal Pathway

In these days, the Catholic Church throughout the world and in Ireland is beginning a series of conversations about what God wants of his people at this time.  These conversations are often referred to as a Synodal Process. “Synodal” comes from a Greek word which means “walking together”. 

On Sunday 17th October 2021, we marked the opening of this Synodal Process entitled, For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission. This Synodal Process coincides with the start of the two-year Synodal Pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland which will lead, in time, to a National Synodal Assembly in Ireland.

Here in the Diocese of Elphin, Bishop Kevin along with members of the Diocesan Synodal Team – Ms Fidelma Croghan, Deacon Frank McGuinness, Dr Justin Harkin and Fr John McManus – and our Diocesan Pastoral Council, will lead us on this pathway. 

We pray that the next two years will be a time of prayer, listening and discernment, involving a consultative conversation. This will allow all people – both within the Church and in society at large, to share their insights into the Catholic Church in Ireland – past, present and future – so that we can prepare for a National Synodal Assembly in the coming years.

Come Holy Spirit!

“Adsumus” – Prayer to the Holy Spirit

 Attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (560-636), it has been traditionally used at Councils and Synods for hundreds of years.
The version below was specifically designed for the Church’s Synodal journey from 2021 to 2023.

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.