'Synodality is a bit like sailing' - a fantastic start to our Book Club
We are thrilled that the School for Synodality’s first book club session ‘Reading the Final Synod Document Together’ was a great success! Live streamed on 21st May 2025, the comments section was busy with many ideas, thoughts and considerations being brought forward and discussed. The video is available to view via our Resources page here >>.
Avril Baigent had a great conversation with our guest speaker Jos Moons SJ, on the first chapter in the document, ‘The Heart of Synodality’. with real insights into theological reimagination, spiritual renewal and structural reform and how for “all of us, the challenge is a change of heart.” Jos chose the imagery of sailing to describe the adventure of synodality, saying surrender is the best way to enjoy it.
This week’s guest speaker: Dr Jos Moons SJ is a Jesuit priest from the Netherlands who has taught at the faculties of theology in Tilburg, Paris, and Louvain, and is currently lecturing at KU Leuven (Belgium) and Boston College (USA). He has published books on spiritual direction (Paulist Press), the pneumatology of Vatican II (Brill), and synodality (Paulist Press, Liturgical Press). His most recent book, The Future of Synodality: How We Move Forward from Here, co-authored with Kristin M. Colberg, explores the historical and theological roots of a synodal church and how to continue journeying the path of a new, inclusive listening church.
This event is the first in a series of conversations hosted by the School for Synodality and synod experts to reflect on the Final Synod Document in more depth. For 6 weeks, the School for Synodality’s Director Dr Avril Baigent unpacks with guest speakers a different section, reflecting on its theological and practical implications, with time for questions afterwards.
Watch Part 1: ‘The Heart of Synodality’ with Jos Moons SJ below:
The Heart of Synodality: reflection questions:
Following Fr Jos's presentation on the theology of synodality, what particularly stood out or challenged you?
He described baptism as the foundation for our active participation in the church? In what ways do you experience your baptism as gift or calling? What might help develop this more?
How can we experience many different voices and perspectives as a strength and not division?
What is the potential for synodality to transform, challenge and heal your community?
As Catholics we can be a bit less familiar with the Holy Spirit. In what ways have you felt the Holy Spirit moving in your life? Can we all take the leap and pray: "‘Come Holy Spirit!’