The Irish National Synodal Assembly took place on Saturday, 17 October, at Gormanston, Co. Meath, bringing together lay, clerical and religious delegates from across Ireland to reflect on the future of the Catholic Church.
The gathering was a day of prayer, listening, conversation and discernment, centred on the question that has guided the Irish Synodal Pathway since it began in 2021:
“What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?”
The Assembly forms part of an ongoing journey of renewal, inviting people throughout the Church to reflect together on its mission, relationships, pastoral life and place in society.
A Journey of Listening and Discernment
The Irish Synodal Pathway began in 2021 when the Bishops of Ireland invited the whole Church to take part in a process of prayer, listening and reflection. Through this journey, seven priorities emerged: belonging; co-responsibility and lay ministry; family; formation and catechesis; healing; women; and youth.
Following the Pre-Synodal Assembly in Kilkenny in October 2025, working groups developed 35 proposals, brought together under five pathways in the document Is not this what God asks of you?
These pathways focus on a Church that proclaims the Gospel, builds a community of belonging, becomes a place of healing, accompanies people and empowers the faithful for ministry and co-responsibility.
From Listening to Action
A key message from the Assembly was the need to ensure that listening leads to meaningful action in dioceses and parishes.
Julieann Moran, General Secretary of the Irish Synodal Pathway, described the gathering as an important moment for the Church in Ireland. She emphasised the need to make prayerful listening and discernment an ordinary part of parish life.
Fr Declan Hurley, Chairperson of the Irish Synodal Pathway, reminded delegates that synodality is about more than implementing recommendations. It is also about personal and communal growth, conversion and becoming the Church God calls us to be.
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said the Bishops would reflect on the Assembly and its recommendations at their forthcoming meeting. While some proposals may be put into practice quickly, others will require further planning, resources and personnel.
Healing, Belonging and Accompanying Young People
Delegates highlighted the importance of ensuring that the Synodal Pathway brings about change at parish and diocesan level.
Una Allen of the Archdiocese of Tuam stressed that healing must remain central to the Church’s journey, particularly for those who have experienced exclusion, abuse or hurt.
Natalie Doherty of the Archdiocese of Dublin highlighted the importance of listening to young people and responding to their call for accompaniment and greater involvement in the Church.
Fr James Moore of the Diocese of Cloyne spoke of the desire for renewal within parish communities, while Jake MaGill of the Archdiocese of Armagh emphasised the role of parents, teachers and pastoral leaders in helping young people encounter Christ.
Continuing the Journey Together
The recommendations from the National Synodal Assembly will be shared with the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference for consideration. However, the wider journey of prayer, listening and discernment will continue to involve the whole People of God.
For parishes and dioceses, this means building communities where people feel they belong, where those who have been hurt are supported, where young people are accompanied and where the gifts of all the baptised are recognised and valued.
The Assembly marks an important step towards a more synodal and missionary Church in Ireland — a Church that listens, walks together and seeks to respond faithfully to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
The question at the heart of this journey remains as important as ever: “What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?”
This article is based on information from the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Read the official announcement and learn more about the Irish Synodal Pathway on the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference website.