In hist pastoral letter to everyone in the diocese Bishop Paul explains the purpose of the synod which in Greek is about 'together' 'way'. ... He explains how the hope is that this will lead to 'conversations will actually help us hear the voice of God, and recognize the Word of God'. In 2023 the Bishops will meet in Rome, they will listen to the messages that have been discerned from the conversations in their dioceses across the universal Church. There are three words which provide a focus for this synod which will be called - For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.
The diocese has received questions that invite us to:
1) deepen our sense of communion in our parishes and diocese, as well as with the wider Catholic Church and Holy Father,
2) to affirm our baptismal dignity together with the gifts and charisms we share through our parishes, work and family life,
3) to deepen our adult formation as disciples of Christ for His Mission, building on what we received and promised in Baptism and Confirmation.
In the coming months we will hear more about how we can get involved. To read this pastoral letter in full here is a link to Bishop Paul Swarbrick's Pastoral Letter for our Synodal Journey.