By Sarah Mac Donald - 24 January, 2015
Pic: John McElroy
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has told the faithful of his diocese that they owe it to Pope Francis to make their contribution to the discussion process for October’s follow on synod on the family.
In a letter, the Archbishop announced to priests and parishioners that a diocesan-wide discussion will take place in parishes during the months of February and March.
Each parish will determine how that discussion takes place.
The responses from each parish are to be returned by the end of March so that a consolidated report from the Irish Church can be prepared in time for the formal working document of the Synod.
Dr Martin said it was the desire of Pope Francis that God’s people around the world should have an opportunity to make their contribution to the process.
“Worldwide, there is a great appreciation of the fact that Pope Francis wanted to hear the sentiments of God’s people on the theme of the Synod.”
He added, “I believe, we owe it to Pope Francis to use this opportunity for reflection – and indeed a new model of Church practice – which he offers.”
The Archbishop also drew a distinction between the purposes of the two synods which he said should be reflected in the discussion process.
The aim of the extraordinary Synod, held last October, was to gather factual information about the situation of the marriage and the family in our times.
“The aim of the Ordinary Synod of 2015 is to take up the conclusions of the extraordinary Synod and begin to reflect on how Church pastoral services to support marriage and family life, should be strengthened and renewed,” he said.
