ACTA and Synodality
- Written by: Simon Napper
Dear ACTA member,
The Vatican has published a document ‘Pathways for the Implementation Phase’ which sets out a timetable for the next stage of the Synodal process through to an Ecclesial Assembly of the Church in October 2028.
As Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe notes: “’Synodality’ may sound like ugly jargon, but it is founded on a principle that is at the heart of our faith. ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them’ (Matt 18:20).” Attached is a summary of the Synodal process published by the Diocese of Salford – if you can’t access it here, you can find it on the ACTA website at: www.acalltoaction.org.uk
Given the priority given to this by both Pope Francis and Pope Leo, ACTA will be concentrating on supporting this process during the implementation phase, in three specific ways:
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Tracking progress being made by the Church in Britain
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Supporting local and diocesan initiatives
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Providing resources and information about good and best practice both here in the UK and worldwide.
To do this effectively, we need your help:
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Due to the requirements of the law (specifically GDPR) you need to tell us if you wish to continue to receive information from ACTA in the future (from the national team and more locally).
- To this end we would like everyone who has registered to update their information by logging in. We particularly want you to let us know which diocese you are in and to assent to the GDPR rules in order to continue to receive news and information on local, national and international affairs. Please follow the video below to learn how to edit your login details.
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To help us track progress, please tell us what is happening in your parish, deanery and diocese (even if it’s not a lot yet). We plan to produce a ‘state of the nation’ report by early May.
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Keep checking in on the ACTA website to stay in touch with what is happening as the process moves forward.
Finally, we will have our AGM on Zoom in early June and we hope you can join and share your ideas.
Liturgy for the Modern Church
- Written by: Alex Walker
The Legacy of Pope Francis
- Written by: Alex Walker
Festival of Synodality – Saturday 6 June 2026
- Written by: Alex Walker
We invite YOU to the National Festival of Synodality at Glasgow Caledonian University, a day inspired by Pope Francis’ call to be “witnesses to synodality.” The Festival will focus on Conversation in the Spirit, a simple and powerful way of communal discernment rooted in listening, conversion and mission.
The day will celebrate the fruits already flourishing in the Church in Scotland and include input from Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Fr David McCallum SJ and Sandra Chaoul.
Participants will also have the opportunity to experience Conversation in the Spirit first hand.
Lunch is included.
All are welcome, especially those involved in parish and diocesan life, pastoral councils, schools and faith organisations.
Tickets: £45. Parishes and dioceses are encouraged to support those wishing to attend.
Tickets available: bit.ly/synodality26
Is your parish synodal?
- Written by: Alex Walker
Source: https://www.synodresources.org/resources/is-uour-parish-synodal/
Led by social entrepreneur Philippe de Roux, author of several books, a group of Catholics from diverse backgrounds—men and women, laypeople and clergy—committed to helping promote the spirit of the synod in parishes, has developed a questionnaire to assess the synodal path in his/her parish: "All together, following Christ".
It is a self-assessment tool designed to raise awareness of the issues at stake and to facilitate collective discernment of very concrete solutions or areas requiring attention, without imposing any particular worldview or sensibility, whilst remaining fully Catholic and therefore in line with canon law.
The questionnaire is organised around five thematic sections: 1) Current situation. How do we develop our reflections and proposals? 2) At the heart of our decisions. Decisions and implementation 3) Recognising and nurturing talents. Managing those involved in our parish 4) A community that cares for each of its members. Fraternity in our parish 5) Ensuring good governance. Appropriate safeguards.
Each sheet features a biblical reference followed by an introduction and questions.
Tested in French parishes and currently being shared in the Philippines, several parishioners and priests who used this tool also reported that this brought joy to the community.
This questionnaire, currently available in French and English, is also intended for all parishes wishing to undertake seriously a synodal process.
Download the questionnaire in French.
Download the questionnaire in English. Or Download here: Questionnaire for a Synodal Parish
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