Spiritual Conversation

The Archdiocesan Synodal Team welcomes you to our first (but not last) Spiritual Conversation.

Spiritual Conversation is a framework for communal discernment. It was used extensively at the Synod held in Rome in October 2023. Local churches are being encouraged to use it too.

Please ensure you read the event guide here.

The event schedule

1030: Holy Mass

1110: SYNOD 2023-24: Where are we now?

1125: Meet Fr John Deighan & the Synod team

1140: Spiritual conversation in groups

1240: Sharing the fruits (feedback)

1300: End

The conversation

The overall theme of our Spiritual Conversation will be The Role of the Laity in the Context of Our Archdiocese. To help us explore this theme, we have formulated four questions, drawing on A Synodal Church in Mission, the synthesis document of the October 2023 Synod. Here are the questions:

(1) “In their immense variety, the charisms of the laity represent distinct gifts to the Church from the Holy Spirit that must be called forth, recognized, and fully appreciated” (from A Synodal Church in Mission). To what extent are we already doing this? How could we do it more effectively at parish and diocesan level?

(2) The Synthesis proposes an expansion of existing lay ministries (such as the ministries of lector and acolyte) as well as the creation of new ones (such as a ministry assigned to married couples to support marriage and family life, and a ministry of “listening and accompanying”). In the context of our Archdiocese, would this be an effective way of calling forth and recognizing the charisms of the laity?

(3) Are we doing enough to equip our lay people to be confident witnesses to Christ in today’s world? If not, what more could be done?

(4) The Synthesis proposes that the role of women in the Church be expanded, especially with regard to decision-making (although it does not open up the possibility of female priests). To what extent has this already happened in our Archdiocese? To what extent do we still have work to do?

The Format

In the first round of discussion, each person will have an initial two minutes to offer their views on any of the above questions. That’s a short time, so we recommend you pick one question to focus on.

In any event, your two minutes will be more beneficial to those who are listening if you have an idea of what you want to say in advance. Therefore, prior to this event please prayerfully reflect on the questions. Then come along and speak from the heart!

When considering what you want to say, please remember that the scope of the Conversation is limited to our Archdiocese.

Important!

The reading material in the event guide will to help you prepare.

So please take time ahead of the event for prayerful reading and reflection.

In this way, our Spiritual Conversation will be (a) as informed as possible and (b) infused with prayer.

We look forward to seeing you!