Hopes, concerns, and priorities on the Synodal Pathway
Liam Bergin,
‘Baptised in Christ: Reborn for Mission’ in ‘Baptised and Sent’. See www.synod.ie
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
5 July 2026
In the listening process, some themes were less dominant: abuse, care for creation, social justice, clergy, evangelisation, and mission. The theme of abuse was named as an ongoing wound, with participants calling for continued accountability and transparency, urging that ‘healing must remain a priority for those affected by abuse.’
Care for creation and social justice were mentioned, with some expressing disappointment that Laudato Sì and the call to ecological conversion were barely mentioned, urging the Church to integrate these concerns more fully into parish life.
There was concern about declining numbers of clergy and the need for pastoral support, with one comment noting, ‘The number of priests is falling and many are overworked; they need support and encouragement from the laity,’ while another observed, ‘we need to care for the wellbeing of our clergy as they carry heavy burdens.’
Evangelisation and mission were also discussed, with a desire for renewed outreach to seekers and the religiously unaffiliated. As one group put it, ‘We need to go out to the peripheries, not just wait for people to come to us,’ while another stated, ‘Mission means meeting people where they are and sharing the joy of the Gospel.’
From Baptised and Sent #20
* * *
Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
12 July 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. Convictions clashed and reform was both demanded and resisted.
The issue of abuse revealed tension. While many saw the need for open acknowledgment and repentance as essential to healing and credibility, others avoided the topic entirely: ‘In some cases, the topic of abuse was avoided, with little or no mention during group discussions.’
Another noted that ‘some participants appeared reluctant to engage on the issue, moving the conversation on to other topics.’ Among those addressing it, there was insistence that healing remain a priority, and the Church must take responsibility for past wrongs: ‘Several groups also named the ongoing impact of abuse and the need for the Church to be proactive in addressing all forms of abuse, including bullying and elder abuse, as part of its pastoral and healing mission.’
Some submissions stressed ‘continued accountability and transparency in safeguarding’ as an ongoing, non-negotiable responsibility.
From Baptised and Sent #22
Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
19 July 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. For some, current language and attitudes were experienced as hurtful and exclusionary, with calls for reform and compassion; for others, they represented doctrinal integrity.
Some participants, particularly younger people, ‘spoke of alienating language and exclusion, while others were more cautious or chose not to comment.’ Strong feelings and differences in opinion remain: ‘In relation to Sexuality and LGBTQI+ … this was primarily seen as part of the wider themes of belonging, family or community while one group felt that LGBTQ+ issues had been emphasised too much in schools and the wider culture.’
Submissions stressed belonging in conjunction with the theme of LGBTQ+ persons, especially in light of the Church’s need to be more welcoming to all. There were also concerns about clarity in teaching and pastoral approach: ‘More clarity for laity is needed on the Church stance on LGBTQ/sexuality.’ In some groups, there was debate over emphasis and approach. Others expressed the view that ‘the Church needs to be more open and less judgemental in its language on these matters.’
From Baptised and Sent #23
* * *
Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
26 July 2026 • World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. While many called for greater inclusion of women in decision-making roles, and for their ordination to the diaconate or priesthood, others voiced discomfort or offered alternative solutions: ‘Many voiced a strong opinion on the need for women in ministry while others, a small but vocal minority, insisted that the best way forward was a male diaconate and foreign priests, however the differences in culture was cited as a major obstacle.’
Views ranged from acceptance of the current exclusion, while requesting clear explanations: ‘Some expressed acceptance of the exclusion of women to ordination while asking that people be told why this is so,’ to calls for greater inclusion: ‘On the role of women, strong support for expanded participation (including diaconate) coexisted with some expressing a view that current roles were sufficient.’
Some saw the persistence of the theme as a step forward, while others saw its continued resurfacing as inadequate or patronising. Divergences were often tied to theological interpretations, cultural differences, and the pace of change. Others linked the discussion to trust and transparency, noting ‘lack of trust was also partly present in relation to women and the absence of reference to ordination to the diaconate.’
From Baptised and Sent #24
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. With clericalism and co-responsibility, tensions arose in practice. Participants observed that ‘while many clergy spoke positively about co-responsibility, others expressed reservations or concerns, leading to little practical change in some parishes.’ Lay participants saw ‘shared leadership as essential for the Church’s future’ but felt that ‘clergy must be willing to share responsibility, and the laity must be prepared to accept responsibility’ for it to become a reality.
For faith formation and education, differences arose regarding the role of schools vis-à-vis parishes and families. Some suggested ‘removing sacramental preparation from schools entirely so that parents and parishes take full responsibility,’ while others preferred ‘a shared approach between school, parish, and home.’ These reflected generational and philosophical divides, with some favouring ‘experiential and relational faith formation’ and others emphasising ‘a structured, doctrinal approach to teaching the faith.’
Divergence with liturgy emerged around style, language, and relevance. Some advocated for change, calling for ‘more inclusive language, participation, and a sense of belonging through worship,’ while others cautioned against altering established forms, warning that ‘rigidity is not helpful, but neither is change for its own sake.’ Visions differed between adaptability to connect with modern life and emphasising stability and tradition.
From Baptised and Sent #25
* * *
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
9 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. In terms of youth engagement, younger participants ‘spoke of the Church being out of touch or irrelevant, and of feeling excluded and lacking a voice,’ while older contributors ‘expressed sadness at the absence of young people from Mass and other sacraments.’
Views diverged on youth ministry, from ‘innovative outreach and leadership opportunities for young people in liturgy, mission, and parish life,’ to ‘bringing young people back to the sacraments and traditional practices.’ In contrast, a youth movement offered a counter-perspective, ‘Young people are not disinterested in faith; they are searching for authenticity, truth, and community. We see the answer in a return to the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and a strong devotional life.’
Importantly, these divergences were not always outright opposition but reflected differences in emphasis, language, or experience. Yet they reveal that the Church in Ireland stands at a crossroads, not just between past and future, but between competing visions of what it means to be Church today. Despite divergences, common ground was discerned in the priorities that have been identified and which resonate as the voice of the Holy Spirit in this process.
From Baptised and Sent #25-26
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. With clericalism and co-responsibility, tensions arose in practice. Participants observed that ‘while many clergy spoke positively about co-responsibility, others expressed reservations or concerns, leading to little practical change in some parishes.’ Lay participants saw ‘shared leadership as essential for the Church’s future’ but felt that ‘clergy must be willing to share responsibility, and the laity must be prepared to accept responsibility’ for it to become a reality.
For faith formation and education, differences arose regarding the role of schools vis-à-vis parishes and families. Some suggested ‘removing sacramental preparation from schools entirely so that parents and parishes take full responsibility,’ while others preferred ‘a shared approach between school, parish, and home.’ These reflected generational and philosophical divides, with some favouring ‘experiential and relational faith formation’ and others emphasising ‘a structured, doctrinal approach to teaching the faith.’
Divergence with liturgy emerged around style, language, and relevance. Some advocated for change, calling for ‘more inclusive language, participation, and a sense of belonging through worship,’ while others cautioned against altering established forms, warning that ‘rigidity is not helpful, but neither is change for its own sake.’ Visions differed between adaptability to connect with modern life and emphasising stability and tradition.
From Baptised and Sent #25
* * *
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
9 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. In terms of youth engagement, younger participants ‘spoke of the Church being out of touch or irrelevant, and of feeling excluded and lacking a voice,’ while older contributors ‘expressed sadness at the absence of young people from Mass and other sacraments.’
Views diverged on youth ministry, from ‘innovative outreach and leadership opportunities for young people in liturgy, mission, and parish life,’ to ‘bringing young people back to the sacraments and traditional practices.’ In contrast, a youth movement offered a counter-perspective, ‘Young people are not disinterested in faith; they are searching for authenticity, truth, and community. We see the answer in a return to the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and a strong devotional life.’
Importantly, these divergences were not always outright opposition but reflected differences in emphasis, language, or experience. Yet they reveal that the Church in Ireland stands at a crossroads, not just between past and future, but between competing visions of what it means to be Church today. Despite divergences, common ground was discerned in the priorities that have been identified and which resonate as the voice of the Holy Spirit in this process.
From Baptised and Sent #25-26
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. With clericalism and co-responsibility, tensions arose in practice. Participants observed that ‘while many clergy spoke positively about co-responsibility, others expressed reservations or concerns, leading to little practical change in some parishes.’ Lay participants saw ‘shared leadership as essential for the Church’s future’ but felt that ‘clergy must be willing to share responsibility, and the laity must be prepared to accept responsibility’ for it to become a reality.
For faith formation and education, differences arose regarding the role of schools vis-à-vis parishes and families. Some suggested ‘removing sacramental preparation from schools entirely so that parents and parishes take full responsibility,’ while others preferred ‘a shared approach between school, parish, and home.’ These reflected generational and philosophical divides, with some favouring ‘experiential and relational faith formation’ and others emphasising ‘a structured, doctrinal approach to teaching the faith.’
Divergence with liturgy emerged around style, language, and relevance. Some advocated for change, calling for ‘more inclusive language, participation, and a sense of belonging through worship,’ while others cautioned against altering established forms, warning that ‘rigidity is not helpful, but neither is change for its own sake.’ Visions differed between adaptability to connect with modern life and emphasising stability and tradition.
From Baptised and Sent #25
* * *
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
9 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. In terms of youth engagement, younger participants ‘spoke of the Church being out of touch or irrelevant, and of feeling excluded and lacking a voice,’ while older contributors ‘expressed sadness at the absence of young people from Mass and other sacraments.’
Views diverged on youth ministry, from ‘innovative outreach and leadership opportunities for young people in liturgy, mission, and parish life,’ to ‘bringing young people back to the sacraments and traditional practices.’ In contrast, a youth movement offered a counter-perspective, ‘Young people are not disinterested in faith; they are searching for authenticity, truth, and community. We see the answer in a return to the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and a strong devotional life.’
Importantly, these divergences were not always outright opposition but reflected differences in emphasis, language, or experience. Yet they reveal that the Church in Ireland stands at a crossroads, not just between past and future, but between competing visions of what it means to be Church today. Despite divergences, common ground was discerned in the priorities that have been identified and which resonate as the voice of the Holy Spirit in this process.
From Baptised and Sent #25-26
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. With clericalism and co-responsibility, tensions arose in practice. Participants observed that ‘while many clergy spoke positively about co-responsibility, others expressed reservations or concerns, leading to little practical change in some parishes.’ Lay participants saw ‘shared leadership as essential for the Church’s future’ but felt that ‘clergy must be willing to share responsibility, and the laity must be prepared to accept responsibility’ for it to become a reality.
For faith formation and education, differences arose regarding the role of schools vis-à-vis parishes and families. Some suggested ‘removing sacramental preparation from schools entirely so that parents and parishes take full responsibility,’ while others preferred ‘a shared approach between school, parish, and home.’ These reflected generational and philosophical divides, with some favouring ‘experiential and relational faith formation’ and others emphasising ‘a structured, doctrinal approach to teaching the faith.’
Divergence with liturgy emerged around style, language, and relevance. Some advocated for change, calling for ‘more inclusive language, participation, and a sense of belonging through worship,’ while others cautioned against altering established forms, warning that ‘rigidity is not helpful, but neither is change for its own sake.’ Visions differed between adaptability to connect with modern life and emphasising stability and tradition.
From Baptised and Sent #25
* * *
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
9 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. In terms of youth engagement, younger participants ‘spoke of the Church being out of touch or irrelevant, and of feeling excluded and lacking a voice,’ while older contributors ‘expressed sadness at the absence of young people from Mass and other sacraments.’
Views diverged on youth ministry, from ‘innovative outreach and leadership opportunities for young people in liturgy, mission, and parish life,’ to ‘bringing young people back to the sacraments and traditional practices.’ In contrast, a youth movement offered a counter-perspective, ‘Young people are not disinterested in faith; they are searching for authenticity, truth, and community. We see the answer in a return to the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and a strong devotional life.’
Importantly, these divergences were not always outright opposition but reflected differences in emphasis, language, or experience. Yet they reveal that the Church in Ireland stands at a crossroads, not just between past and future, but between competing visions of what it means to be Church today. Despite divergences, common ground was discerned in the priorities that have been identified and which resonate as the voice of the Holy Spirit in this process.
From Baptised and Sent #25-26
Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
2 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. With clericalism and co-responsibility, tensions arose in practice. Participants observed that ‘while many clergy spoke positively about co-responsibility, others expressed reservations or concerns, leading to little practical change in some parishes.’ Lay participants saw ‘shared leadership as essential for the Church’s future’ but felt that ‘clergy must be willing to share responsibility, and the laity must be prepared to accept responsibility’ for it to become a reality.
For faith formation and education, differences arose regarding the role of schools vis-à-vis parishes and families. Some suggested ‘removing sacramental preparation from schools entirely so that parents and parishes take full responsibility,’ while others preferred ‘a shared approach between school, parish, and home.’ These reflected generational and philosophical divides, with some favouring ‘experiential and relational faith formation’ and others emphasising ‘a structured, doctrinal approach to teaching the faith.’
Divergence with liturgy emerged around style, language, and relevance. Some advocated for change, calling for ‘more inclusive language, participation, and a sense of belonging through worship,’ while others cautioned against altering established forms, warning that ‘rigidity is not helpful, but neither is change for its own sake.’ Visions differed between adaptability to connect with modern life and emphasising stability and tradition.
From Baptised and Sent #25
* * *
Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
9 August 2026
Even as consensus emerged on many fronts, inherent divergences also remained in the listening process. In terms of youth engagement, younger participants ‘spoke of the Church being out of touch or irrelevant, and of feeling excluded and lacking a voice,’ while older contributors ‘expressed sadness at the absence of young people from Mass and other sacraments.’
Views diverged on youth ministry, from ‘innovative outreach and leadership opportunities for young people in liturgy, mission, and parish life,’ to ‘bringing young people back to the sacraments and traditional practices.’ In contrast, a youth movement offered a counter-perspective, ‘Young people are not disinterested in faith; they are searching for authenticity, truth, and community. We see the answer in a return to the beauty of the sacraments, Eucharistic adoration, and a strong devotional life.’
Importantly, these divergences were not always outright opposition but reflected differences in emphasis, language, or experience. Yet they reveal that the Church in Ireland stands at a crossroads, not just between past and future, but between competing visions of what it means to be Church today. Despite divergences, common ground was discerned in the priorities that have been identified and which resonate as the voice of the Holy Spirit in this process.
From Baptised and Sent #25-26
Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time
16 August 2026
Certain priorities emerged in the listening process that participants repeatedly described as Spirit-prompted signposts for the journey ahead. These were not simply popular ideas but were spoken of with urgency, conviction, and as the communal discernment of God’s will.
Baptism was named a foundational priority, described as ‘an entry point to a life of faith, a gateway to mission, and the root and foundation on which to build a Christian life.’ It must be understood not just as a rite of passage but as a lifelong vocation. Baptism was described as the wellspring of Christian life, reminding the Church that all the baptised, lay and ordained alike, are called to contribute their gifts in shared responsibility for its mission. This vocational understanding was linked directly to dignity, equality, and participation for all, regardless of gender or role.
Belonging also emerged as a priority. It reflected a core desire of the People of God, a longing for a Church not merely correct but connected, not just doctrinal but relational: ‘a home for all, not just for some.’ It encompassed welcome, inclusion, safety, and healing, especially for LGBTQ+ persons, migrants, women, people with disabilities, and those hurt by the Church. Participants paired belonging with youth, welcome, and community, underscoring its role as the thread tying together multiple strands of renewal.
From Baptised and Sent #27-29
* * *
Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time
23 August 2026
There was strong support for co-responsibility as a structural and cultural shift. Lay people – women and men – expressed a desire ‘to be empowered, not just consulted’ tied directly again to baptismal identity: ‘All are anointed as priest, prophet, and king.’ Participants stressed that new leadership models, parish support structures, and inclusive decision-making are needed for this to be realised in practice.
Deepening faith formation was described as essential to move ‘from inherited faith to intentional discipleship.’ Catechesis should be anchored in ‘authentic, lived faith, not just doctrine,’ and ensure both laity and clergy are well-formed for ministry. Several groups linked adult catechesis, teacher training, and lay formation directly to mission, evangelisation, and meaningful liturgy.
The family was recognised as ‘the first educator of the faith,’ the seedbed of belonging. Participants called for stronger pastoral support for families, children, and intergenerational ministry, urging a shift toward ‘nourishing and supporting the faith in families, and in our schools.’ The domestic Church was seen as central to sustaining faith in an increasingly secular context.
Liturgy was described as a vital point of connection between daily life and spiritual meaning. Some emphasised ‘language, music, and ritual that resonate with people’s lives today,’ while maintaining a sense of tradition. Many called for participatory, inclusive, and inspiring liturgy especially for youth and newcomers. As summarised in one submission: ‘renewing our Liturgy means connecting the Word to life.’
From Baptised and Sent #30-33
* * *
Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
30 August 2026
The role of women continues to demand resolution, not merely for structural reform but as a matter of justice, belonging, and credibility. Exclusion of women from decision-making and visible leadership contradicts the baptismal dignity the Church proclaims. ‘The gifts of women must be fully recognised and utilised at every level of Church life.’ Others called for ‘building and respecting the role of women, including their ordination to the diaconate.’
Youth engagement was repeatedly named as critical. Young participants stated they are ‘not disinterested in faith; they are searching for authenticity, truth, and community.’ There were calls for the empowerment of young leaders, the bridging of generational gaps, and the connection of spiritual formation with social and ecological justice.
Quieter yet persistent undercurrents suggest that the Holy Spirit is also stirring the Church to engage with themes that, while not dominant, carry prophetic weight for the future: communication, ecological and social justice, healing, unity, and outreach. ‘Better communication is needed – language that is accessible, stories that connect, and outreach that builds bridges rather than walls.’ ‘The pain of abuse and exclusion continues to cast a long shadow over the Church’s mission. The Church in Ireland must embody a renewed vision grounded in faith, inclusion, courage, and hope.’
From Baptised and Sent #34-37