Hopes, concerns, and priorities on the Synodal Pathway
Liam Bergin,
‘Baptised in Christ: Reborn for Mission’ in ‘Baptised and Sent’.
See www.synod.ie
Fifth Sunday of Easter
3 May 2026
Baptism as the Foundation of Identity and Mission
Baptism was repeatedly cited as a reminder that every member of the Church has a value and role. ‘There is growing concern that the importance of Baptism is being overlooked.
We must rediscover and deepen our understanding of our baptismal calling.’ This vision of Church identity, anchored in baptism, was seen as foundational for dignity, mission, and inclusion.
Another submission affirmed that ‘Baptism is the foundation of our faith-life and calls us to share our gifts within the Church, that is: laity and clergy sharing responsibility.’
A greater understanding of baptism was sought to support participation in ministry, inclusion of the so-called marginalised, and to recall the Church’s identity as the Body of Christ where all are equal in dignity and called to holiness.
Some named it as the Sacrament of Initiation that ‘welcomes us into the family of Christ’ and ‘opens the pathway to living a Christian life and serving the Church, whether as ordained ministers or as lay people.’
Renewing this baptismal awareness was seen as essential to revitalising parish life and ensuring that ‘shared responsibility within the Church should emerge naturally’ from this common foundation.
From Baptised and Sent #10
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Sixth Sunday of Easter
10 May 2026
Belonging and inclusion appeared in nearly every conversation. The Church is perceived as struggling to welcome those on the margins, those who have experienced relationship breakdown, those in second unions, those who feel judged or hurt, and those estranged from faith communities.
There is a deep desire for a listening Church that makes space for the wounded, those who are doubting, and those who feel on the margins. ‘Belonging brings caring, mercy, compassion and love.
It is at the heart of who we are and builds community that belongs to Christ and is mutually beneficial to us all.’ Participants stressed that ‘a sense of belonging is fundamental for individuals within the Church community, linking it to family, education, and participation in faith.’
Some highlighted isolation, loneliness, and anxiety, and the marginalisation of many individuals and groups. Others insisted that welcome and inclusion must be more than an ideal, ‘embracing everyone, especially those who may feel disconnected from the Church.’
Belonging was described as an emotional need and a Gospel imperative linked to mission and evangelisation: ‘it helps people to take responsibility, links to engagement and active membership, and is key to people being open to a journey of faith.’
From Baptised and Sent #11
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The Ascension of the Lord
17 May 2026 • World Communications Day
At the heart of the synodal conversations lay the continued call for co-responsibility; a vision of Church in which all the baptised share in leadership, mission, and ministry. ‘Shared responsibility is vital for the future of our Church. While it needs careful and gentle guidance, it is not optional and must progress steadily.’
This theme was consistently linked to lay ministry, baptism, clericalism, and leadership reform. As one submission noted, ‘the number of clergy is declining and consequently the future of the Church will require increased lay involvement.’
Participants emphasised that the Church must not depend on priests alone; that ‘both laity and clergy are needed,’ and that ‘for this to be meaningful, clergy must be willing to share responsibility, and the laity must be prepared to accept responsibility.’
Only in this way, they said, ‘can there be true ownership of the Church by all its members, allowing the Kingdom of God to flourish more fully.’
Calls for shared responsibility were matched by recognition that laity must feel empowered and supported, with investment needed in faith formation and training for all – clergy and laity
From Baptised and Sent #12
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Pentecost Sunday
24 May 2026 • Day of Prayer for the Church in China
Faith formation, catechesis, and religious education emerged as another pressing theme, revealing a hunger for deeper understanding of the faith and authentic living of the Gospel. Participants emphasised adult faith formation for all, as well as innovative youth catechesis rooted in lived discipleship.
Formation was seen as foundational for renewing the Church. ‘Faith formation brings us into personal contact with Jesus and is essential because the Church is the community of faith.’
Many stressed it must be ongoing to nourish the faithful at all stages and that ‘faith formation is a top priority because it is foundational for enabling people to share their faith with joy.’
Others noted that ‘faith formation was…a key element in preventing disengagement from the Church’ and that ‘unless there is faith formation, all other aspects cannot be addressed.’
There was a strong call for formation equipping people for public witness, ‘vital to adult confidence in talking about their faith in public.’ Several pointed to the importance of teaching, calling ‘for improved education, particularly for teachers, to ensure effective faith formation’ and that ‘better-trained educators can empower parishioners with a clearer understanding of their beliefs.’
From Baptised and Sent #13
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The Most Holy Trinity
31 May 2026
Family is the seedbed of faith. Concern for young people was echoed in reflections on the family as the primary context for faith transmission and as a pastoral space needing greater support.
Families were seen as the key place where faith is passed on, with many emphasising the need for support in raising children in the faith. ‘Families were identified as the first educators of the faith, yet many feel unequipped or unsupported.’
Family life was closely connected to baptism, formation, and belonging. Some called for stronger parish-school connections, insisting that ‘a greater emphasis needs to be placed on nourishing and supporting the faith in families, and in our schools.’
Several submissions linked family vitality to the Church’s vitality, warning that ‘without supporting families… the future vitality of the Church’ would be at risk.
Calls were made for resources, pastoral accompaniment, and parish structures prioritising diverse families. As one group observed, ‘Family is at the heart of community, and its support is essential to sustaining the Church’s mission.’
From Baptised and Sent #14
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