The groups were formed following extensive consultation during the synodal listening phase, where thousands of people across parishes, dioceses, schools and Church organisations shared their experiences and hopes for the future.
The priorities identified through that process will now be examined in greater depth as the Church prepares for the next stage of the Irish Synodal Pathway.
Each Working Group will include a bishop, a staff member of the Episcopal Conference with responsibility for the relevant area, and a member of the National Synodal Team. They will also be joined by individuals with expertise and experience drawn from parish, diocesan and institutional settings.
The groups will study best practice, undertake research and engage in discernment before developing practical and mission-focused recommendations. These proposals will be presented to the National Synodal Team and the Bishops’ Conference ahead of the National Synodal Assembly scheduled for October 2026.
The seven priorities guiding the work are Belonging; Co-responsibility and Lay Ministry; Family; Formation and Catechesis; Healing; Women; and Youth.
Belonging focuses on fostering a Church that is welcoming, inclusive and safe, where people can find a home in community and in Christ. Co-responsibility and Lay Ministry aims to empower all the baptised to share leadership and mission in new ways.
Other priorities include supporting families as the primary place of faith transmission, deepening lifelong faith formation rooted in prayer and sacramental life, and addressing the need for healing and accountability in response to the wounds caused by abuse.
The priorities also highlight the importance of recognising women’s gifts and leadership at every level of Church life and creating authentic ways for young people to participate in leadership and mission.
Julieann Moran, General Secretary of the Irish Synodal Pathway, said the establishment of the groups represents an important step in moving the process forward. “These Working Groups represent an important step in translating the fruits of listening into concrete action,” she said. “Through careful research, prayerful discernment and collaboration, we hope to develop recommendations that will help the Church in Ireland grow as a community of hope, responsibility, healing and welcome.”
The bishops expressed hope that the work of the groups will help turn the insights gathered during the synodal listening phase into concrete steps for renewal, ensuring the Irish Synodal Pathway continues to move forward with clarity and confidence in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
To read more about the Irish Synodal Pathway please click HERE