Limerick synod to consider creative ways to re-engage alienated Catholics

Limerick diocese will consider a number of creative ways to re-engage people who have become alienated from the Church at a major synod next month. 

Delegates to the synod – the first to take place in Ireland in half a century – will vote on more than 100 key proposals aimed at boosting Mass attendance and developing lay leadership.

The proposals, seen by The Irish Catholic, include introducing an updated version of Station Masses celebrated in private homes, establishing welcoming groups to help newcomers feel at home in their parish and developing a Sunday school catechetical project for young children.

Other proposals include liturgies outside church buildings at venues such as public squares and parks, well-known spiritual sites, sports grounds and schools.

Proposals to be considered at the synod are grouped into six themes, including community & sense of belonging, faith formation, pastoral care of the family, new models of leadership, liturgy & life and young people.

The majority of proposals under the new models of leadership theme involve developing lay leadership positions at diocesan and parish level.

Recognising that employing and training lay pastoral workers is expensive, proposals also include a major review of diocesan funds and sources of income for parishes.

The synod’s director, Fr Eamonn Fitzgibbon, told The Irish Catholic the diocese needs “to see real change”. 

“We need to see that the synod has had a meaningful effect and will make a meaningful difference.

“I would like to see that we are being proactive towards the future, that we are really taking on the challenges of what lies ahead,” he said.

“I would like to see a renewed diocese, a diocese invigorated, that’s the hope. So much commitment has been put into the process it has to make a difference,” he added.