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A two-year 'synodal' process is taking place across the Catholic Church. This is an important moment in the life of the world Church, with Pope Francis calling us all to reflect on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The Pope is inviting us to take this journey together. As the Preparatory Document for the Synod expressed:

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“This path of walking together is the most effective way of manifesting and putting into practice the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God."

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‍The Synodal process is taking place in three stages. In October 2021 - March 2022, dioceses, national organisations, and religious communities engaged in a number of listening conversations exploring the way the Church embraces her missionary mandate in the world of today. The ideas and thoughts collected as part of this exercise formed a number of Diocesan Syntheses - the ‘local’ part of the Synodal process. Reflecting on the main themes that emerged as a result of these listening conversations, a National Synthesis Team then discerned and drafted a National Synthesis for England and Wales. This document will be sent to the Synod Office in Rome accompanied by the Bishops of England and Wales' Reflection on the National Synthesis Seeking our Hearts' Desire.

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