Synod National Synthesis released

The National Synthesis – reflects on Synod reports received by the national synthesis team, discerning the main themes that have emerged from the listening conversations, and collating them together to give a picture of the synodal process in England and Wales.The Catholic Church in England and Wales has been following the Synodal Process called by Pope Francis, reflecting on the theme “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, mission” and has now reached an important moment. Since October 2021, the dioceses, national organisations and religious communities have been engaged in listening conversations on the central themes, exploring the way the Church embraces more fully her missionary mandate in the world of today. 

The diocesan and national organisational reports were submitted to the Bishops’ Conference just before Holy Week this year, and since then, the National Synthesis Team has been working on producing the “National Synthesis” – reflecting on the reports received, discerning the main themes that have emerged from the listening conversations, and collating them together to give a picture of the synodal process in England and Wales. 

 The Bishops have been kept abreast of this work with a report given to their Spring Plenary Assembly in Cardiff and on 1st June, a National Synod Day was held in Southwark Cathedral.This moment, falling between Ascension and Pentecost, was an important gathering of Bishops with representatives from the dioceses and national organisations. Sr Bernadette Reis fsp, who facilitated the day, recalled the Upper Room where the apostles gathered with Mary after the ascension and awaited the Holy Spirit, gathered in prayer (Acts 1:12-14). This day reflected on the first draft of the synthesis and comments, corrections and refinements on it were collected and used to produce the final synthesis which is presented here.

This week, the Bishops of England and Wales will gather to discern their response to this National Synthesis. Their work, together with the synthesis document will be sent to the Synod Office in Rome as the formal submission to the Synod from England and Wales. Along with reports from all the other conferences in the world, the Synod office will be reviewed to create the first Instrumentum Laboris, which the Synod Office is calling the “Document for the Continental Stage.”We thank all who have participated so far in the Synodal Process and ask for continued prayers as we journey together towards being a Synodal Church in today’s world, expressing her nature as the People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel that brings life and human flourishing to all who hear and respond to it.

22 May 2025
Many thanks to parishioner Eddie Gray, Leeds United legend, for spending time with us at the mens' evening on Wednesday. His insight into decades of football history had everyone riveted. His fraternal kindness and conviviality was much appreciated by all. Thank you to Bill for organising, for those who helped with the bar and setting up and to Katherine and Marie for a delicious supper.
20 May 2025
All parishioners are invited to our first film night on 8th June at 5pm in the Parish Centre. With appropriate licensing, we will be showing "The Mission", the emotional historical drama of Jesuits in eighteenth-century South America. Featuring standout performances from Jeremy Irons, Robert de Niro and Liam Neeson (in only his third major movie), the backdrop of Iguacu Falls and the beauty of Ennio Morricone's score complement this tale of Catholic faith and colonial power. (Ice creams in the interval!)
19 May 2025
Please pray for five adult Confirmation Candidates due to be confirmed at a Mass on Pentecost Sunday. They have begun their preparations for the event at which three will also make their first communion. It is wonderful to see people returning/coming to faith in our parish and they appreciate your prayers as they move forward on their spiritual journey. If you would like to enquire about adult baptism/confirmation, please have a word with Fr Simon after Mass or email him on simon.bradbury@dioceseofleeds.org.uk
19 May 2025
Many thanks to Marie Baker for her work on refurbishing the Kirkstall Room, paid for by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. The room, on the first floor of the parish centre, is now available to book for parish meetings or for rental by outside agencies.
7 May 2025
We are looking for adult and teen volunteers in many different areas - come and see how you can help!
7 May 2025
SAVE THE DATE FOR HOLIDAY BIBLE CAMP 2025! “Marvelous Mystery – the Mass comes alive” will be held Jul 21-25, 2025 from 9am – 12pm each day in the parish Centre. All children age 5-11 are welcome! There will be games, music, crafts, and snacks. Please check the web site for more details. Adult and Teen volunteers (age 12+) are needed to help run the camp. If interested, please contact Marie Baker as soon as possible at mbaker0813@gmail.com
27 April 2025
The St Robert's Building Fund was launched at Masses on Low Sunday weekend. Previously, it was announced that, due to an accumulation of quite urgent work which needs to take place on the church and presbytery, mainly in the area of roof and drains, we would be setting up such a Fund to ease the burden on existing parish funds. The Building Fund will be launched this weekend with a short presentation by a member of the Building Fund Committee at each of the weekend Masses. The work is expected to last between three and five years, with a plan to begin in the autumn this year. The total cost is reckoned to be in the region of £300,000. An overview of the proposed works with pictures of some of the affected areas is available at the link below and we will be giving regular updates on the progress of both the fund and the work once it starts. The architect’s proposals are still going through the various diocesan committees whose approval is needed in terms of art, architecture and finance (the church is a l
10 April 2025
A retreat for up to twenty six St Robert's parishioners has been organised to take place at Ampleforth Abbey from Friday 12th to Sunday 14th September 2025. All accommodation and meals will be included and the retreat will be led by Fr Luke Beckett OSB. More details of cost, timings etc. will be promulgated closer to the time along with the opportunity to book a place. Save the date if you would like to join us.
6 April 2025
The next Seminar will take place on Sunday 22nd June at 10am in preparation for the Baptism Mass at 11am on Sunday 29th June when children will be baptised into the Church and our parish family. Please pray for our children to be baptised, their parents and godparents as they all prepare, together, for this momentous day in the spiritual journey of these little ones. Please hand the completed enrolment form, which is available at the back of church, to Fr Simon.
by Webmaster 26 February 2025
Thank you to those parents who have signed up their children for First Holy Communion this year. Applications for this year's programme have now closed - the registration period of several weeks is now over. The First Holy Communion Programme began with a parents evening on Tuesday 22 nd April 2025. This was an opportunity for all parents to attend a presentation on what the programme involves and on the work that they are expected to do with their children at home between the sessions. The catechesis takes place after the 9am Mass from 10-11.30am on Sundays 27 th April, 11 th May and 18 th May with your child receiving First Holy Communion at their usual mass time throughout June. Please arrange with the parish office the mass date and time you would like your child to receive the sacrament for the first time. A plenary mass, when all the children come together to be presented to the parish and receive their certificates, will take place at 9am on Sunday 6 th July. Please note if your child completed their First Reconciliation in 2025, your child will complete their First Holy Communion in 2026.
Show More