- Prayer Service to conclude gathering will take place in Clonmacnoise
You, or a representative, are invited to attend a media briefing during the gathering of the National Pre-Synodal Assembly. For journalists wishing to attend, please contact the Catholic Communications Office on [email protected] to register your interest. Details:
When Saturday 18 June 2022 from 10.00am – 5.00pm
Where Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath and at the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, Co Offaly
Media access
At 9.50am there will be brief access for media to film delegates before their morning deliberations begin at 10.00am. Discussions from 10am – 1pm will be private to facilitate a dialogue which can be as open as possible.
At 1.00pm a media briefing will take place in the Sheraton Hotel. Dr Nicola Brady, Chair of the Synodal Pathway, will facilitate this briefing along with delegates. One-to-one interviews will be available.
At 1.50pm there will be brief access for media to film participants as they prepare for their afternoon deliberations. Delegate discussions from 2.00pm – 5.00pm will be private.
At 6.00pm a brief Prayer Service will take place at the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise.
Photographs
Photographers John McElroy +353 87 2416985 and Liam McArdle + 44 7900 107362 will be in attendance. Please contact them directly for photographs. Email [email protected] and [email protected]
In attendance
Delegates from the 26 dioceses on the island of Ireland; Religious Congregations; representatives from other Catholic groups and lay ecclesial associations; members of the clergy; members of the Synodal Pathway Steering Committee and Task Group.
Background
In March 2021 the Bishops’ Conference announced a synodal pathway for the Catholic Church in Ireland, leading to the organisation of a national synodal assembly. A five year timeline is envisaged for this work comprised of two phases:
- a two-year phase of listening and discernment, and;
- followed by a three-year phase of planning and implementation
The initial two-year phase coincides with the Universal Synod on Synodality announced by Pope Francis and taking place from 2021-2023 and so the listening work undertaken in Ireland for the Universal Synod is integrated with the preparations for Ireland’s national Synodal Pathway. The National Pre-Synodal Assembly on Saturday will see diocesan delegates and other participating groups gathering together to prepare the national synthesis which will be sent on to the Vatican and feed into the Universal Synod.
ENDS
For media contact: Catholic Communications Office Maynooth: Martin Long + 353 (0) 86 1727678 and Brenda Drumm +353 (0) 87 310 4444.
