Getting Started with Synodality…
How do we listen to each other well? How do we step back from our own agendas to be attentive to where the Spirit is moving? How can we make better decisions about organising ourselves as Christian communities? How do we enrich our parish communal life with enriching conversations?
The ancient practice of synodality can be found throughout history, where leaders of the Church gathered in a way to listen and discern together. We are all invited to integrate this ancient practice at all levels of the Church - including local, diocesan, national and global - changing how we gather, how we listen, how we include, how we plan, how we discern, and how we move forward together as a people of God.
When we build on this style of encounter, when we include different voices and open the space to all, to discern and dream together, we can we strengthen the bonds of love and enrich all aspects of Church life.
What is Synodality?
The School for Synodality has created this short animation video exploring the synodal way, explaining it not as a one-off listening exercise but rather as an invitation towards an ongoing call to conversion, reshaping how we attend to all things, guided by the working of the Holy Spirit.
“It is clear that the purpose of this Synod is not to produce more documents. Rather, it is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, warm hearts, and restore strength to our hands for our common mission.”
Synodality Guides
Our how to guides are practical step-by-step explainers on how to use synodal tools - from leading Conversations in the Spirit in your contexts to leading prayer in meetings - explore below.
The Synod process has emphasised the importance of listening and good conversations in our community life. However these are not always so easy in practice!
Our 101: Conversations in the Spirit workshop series will introduce the principles of holding prayerful, truthful and safe conversations which value gracious listening and courageous speaking. It is suitable for all levels of experience including people who have not been involved in the Synod process so far.
Synodality 101 - Train With Us
“The small group spiritual conversations were really enriching - both from the perspective of practicing skills, but also from the experience of having a spiritual conversation with people we wouldn’t otherwise ordinarily connect with.”
Looking for a specific resource?
The School for Synodality exists to embed synodal habits and practices in the life of the Church so that we can grow and journey together. This means making some of the key practices of synodality accessible and easy to try across our Catholic communities. We have a wealth of practical wisdom on listening and speaking graciously to one another, but have often forgotten it in our day to day community life. We hope these resources will help brush up your skills and give you the confidence to give it a go!
Quotes & Testimonies About Our Resources
“Synodality is the path God expects from the Church in the third millennium”
— Pope Francis
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Want to share resources you’ve found helpful, or get more involved? Contact us!