National Office for Women at Bishops’ Conference level among Synod proposals

A draft working document prepared for the upcoming National Synodal Assembly proposes several ways to renew the Catholic Church in Ireland. The document outlines five pathways for renewal: a Church that proclaims the Gospel, a place of belonging, a place of healing, a Church that accompanies, and a Church that empowers for ministry and co-responsibility.

The draft builds on the 2021 launch of the Irish Synodal Pathway and last year's Baptised and Sent report, which identified seven priorities including women, youth, family, and lay ministry. These priorities have been organized into specific proposals from seven working groups to help guide the assembly scheduled for October 17 in Gormanston, Co. Meath. One of the proposals includes establishing a National Office for Women at the level of the bishops' conference.