Reading the Consensus: What the Delegates Recommended for the Future of the Church in Ireland

More than 300 delegates, including bishops, priests, religious, and lay men and women, identified several areas of consensus during the National Synodal Assembly regarding the future of the Church in Ireland.

According to a reflection by delegate Sean O’Leary for the Diocese of Ferns, the strongest agreements focused on mission-centered proposals. These include developing the ministry of catechists, supporting youth pilgrimages and gatherings, and establishing parish communities as centers for faith formation. The delegates also reached consensus on training all baptized members for co-responsible ministry, supporting youth leadership, and promoting adult faith formation, Catholic social teaching, and intentional discipleship.

Other proposals receiving substantial support involve reaching out to people disconnected from the Church, supporting family faith within the home, and creating a national framework for co-responsibility. The assembly also highlighted the need for lay ministry and a ministry centered on listening and belonging. While these areas showed agreement, the assembly remained divided on certain questions.