Father Declan
Hurley, Administrator of Saint Mary’s Parish, Navan, has been appointed
chairperson of the team.
At today’s meeting, Father Hurley said, “The National Synodal Team has
been formed with both continuity and growth in mind. Some of the
members of the previous Steering Committee have been appointed to the
team, alongside some new members, representing diverse competencies in
the areas of synodality, communications, theology, formation and
training, planning, pastoral and social outreach, cultural discernment,
and youth. It is envisaged that the National Synodal Team will also
work co-responsibly with the councils, commissions, and agencies of the
Bishops’ Conference, and establish working groups to assist in the
implementation and rolling out of specific pathways/themes within the
overall National Synodal Pathway. The Synodal Pathway represents both a
challenging and exciting time for the Church in Ireland as we discern
together what it is that God is asking of us at this time.”
Also speaking today, the General Secretary for the Irish Synodal
Pathway, Ms Julieann Moran, said, “I look forward to working closely
with the National Synodal Team over the next two years as it aims to
introduce and support initiatives across all levels of the Church in
Ireland. The success of the Irish Synodal Pathway requires continuous
engagement with parishes and dioceses, as well as engagement with
religious communities, ecclesial movements and associations of lay
faithful. The change in name, and focus – from a Steering Committee to a
National Synodal Team – better reflects the fact that the role of this
team will be to work collaboratively with the local Church, whilst
progressing aspects of the work that will require national-level
planning and implementation.”