Last Few Days to Comment on Draft Diocesan Synodal Report
Bishop Patrick encourages prayerful reflection upon the diocesan draft synodal report and asks that any final contributions or comments be made by this Saturday 19th March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Church.
On the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter, people gathered from across the diocese with Bishop Patrick at St Barnabas Cathedral to share and reflect on the synodal process which has been underway since October in our parishes, schools, chaplaincies and communities. Different deaneries animated different parts of the evening prayer liturgy and then representatives from each deanery shared something of what had been ‘heard’ in their locality regarding the questions posed by the synodal process. The draft report and the actions each deanery hopes to take forward can be read here on our dedicated Synod 2023 page.
In his initial response to the draft report, Bishop Patrick thanked all those who had generously contributed to the report, and he felt that the list of contributors in the Preface to the report showed a genuine attempt to engage as many people as possible in the process. He connected the synodal process with the reorganisation of deaneries and framed both as being key to helping ‘shape our next steps as a diocese in genuine renewal and a stronger sense of missionary purpose.’ The bishop encouraged people to join him ‘in prayerful reflection upon this draft report, as we seek to be open to the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit.’ He asked that any comments or further contributions be sent to Joe Hopkins or Father David Cain (contact details below) by Saturday 19th March, the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Guardian of the Church. The final report diocesan report will then be sent to the National Synod Coordinating Team by the 8th April 2022 and will be distributed widely across the diocese after this point.
Bishop Patrick invited people to join him ‘in asking the Holy Spirit to inspire, guide and bless all our diocesan initiatives as we strive to become the Church, here in the East Midlands, that God is calling us to be.’
Final comments and contributions can be sent to our Diocesan Synodal Leads, via email:
Father David Cain david.cain@dioceseofnottingham.uk Joe Hopkins joe.hopkins@dioceseofnottingham.uk
