National Events
PREPARATORY DOCUMENT
The Season of Creation runs each year from 1st September, World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation until 4th October, the memorial of Saint Francis Assisi.
The Theme chosen this year is Let Justice and Peace Flow
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WORKING DOCUMENT FOR THE CONTINENTAL STAGE
Select the link for the Continent of Europe response
www.synod.va/en/highlights/working-document-for-the-continental-stage.html
DIOCESAN - Consultation
Pope Francis has asked the Bishops world-wide to facilitate a Synodal process for all parishes, religious and lay communities to help them to journey together in faith. Synodal or Synod process just means walking together and working together in unity, as a community led by the Holy Spirit. The initial process will be to consider and respond to 10 questions, the results of which will go to the Bishop by the end of March and then on to the Bishops of England and Wales who will forward their response to Rome where the final discussion will take place at the World Bishops Synod in 2023.
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The synodal path
A Large, majestic tree, full of wisdom and light, reaches for the sky.
A sign of deep vitality and hope - the cross of Christ. It carries the Eucharist, which shines like the sun.
The branches, open like hands or wings, suggest, at the same time, the Holy Spirit.
The people of God are not static: they are on the move, "walking together".
The people are united by the same common dynamic that this Tree of Life breathes into them,
from which they begin their walk.
These fifteen (15) silhouettes sum up our entire humanity in its diversity of life situations of generations
and origins. The multiplicity of bright colours are themselves signs of joy. There is no hierarchy between these people who are all of the same footing: young, old, men, women, teenagers, children, lay people, religious, parents, couples, singles; the bishop is not in front of them, but among them.
Quite naturally, children and then adolescents open their walk, in preference to these words of Jesus in the Gospel:
" I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to little children". (Mt 11:25)
THE SYNOD 2021 - 2023 -
"For a Synodal Church, Communion, Participation & Mission"
Prayer for the Synod
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 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 you, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
Amen.
Attributed to S.Isodore of Seville (560-636). It has been traditionally used at councils and Synods for hundreds of years. This version was specifically designed for the Church's Synodal Journey 2021-2023
16 DAYS OF ACTION TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND WHITE RIBBON DAY 2021!
On White Ribbon Day Thursday 25 November, and the 16 days to end violence against women that follow, we are asking people in their communities, organisations and workplaces, to come together, and say ‘no’ to violence against women.
Because of thousands of people like you we are able to get the message out that men’s violence against women and girls must end. And that all men can make a difference. #AllMenCan is our leading message this year. It was developed for us in March when the murder of Sarah Everard brought women’s experience of men’s violence to the forefront of everyone’s minds. It also opened up so many conversations about men taking action and making a stand. As we move towards the end of the year we want as many men as possible to think carefully and make the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women.
Year of the family
For the Year of the Family, the Marriage and Family Life Commission would like to encourage all parishes to celebrate the joy of family. In the coming months there will be resources available, and events planned to promote reflection on family life and the domestic church. Parishes are invited to pray a special intercession for families once a month.
We pray in this ‘Year of the Family’ for all the families in our Diocese; that they may live the qualities and virtues of the Holy Family as a joy that fills their hearts and lives.
