On fifteen occasions since Vatican Council II the Pope of the time has called together the Synod of Bishops to consider various matters concerning Christian life in the present day. Synods have considered topics from Evangelisation to the Vocation and Mission of the Family in the life of the Church. On 4th October, Pope Francis will open the first session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, ‘For a Synodal Church. Communion, Participation, Mission.’ This synod will include for the first time the full participation of members of the Lay faithful, Religious and Clergy as well as Bishops.
Archbishop Paul has received a letter from the Secretary General of the Synod Office with prayers and blessings to be prayed in the weeks before and during the coming Synod in Rome.
This is an opportunity for all of us to participate. To assist this all parishes and groups in the Archdiocese are receiving the attached pack to encourage active prayerful participation.
Included in the pack is the letter sent to all Bishops, as well as a blessing to be prayed at the conclusion of Masses on October 1st, the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, as well as possible Intercessions for Sunday 24th September (being the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time) and Sunday 1st October (26th Sunday in ordinary Time). Included also are Prayers of Intercessions which can be prayed during weekday celebrations.
These prayers and blessings can form part of the prayer of any gathering in the Archdiocese during this time, whether parish, service group, school, classroom, youth group, prayer group, study group, or family. There is also the opportunity to place the prayers and blessings in your newsletters or on social media pages to enable as wide a participation as possible of all the People of God.