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 September 2025
A group of parishioners gathered on Sunday evening for the first session of 'Apologia' - a series designed to help us discover more about various aspects of our Catholic faith. In a 'behind the scenes' look at the various elements of the Mass, from the perspective of the sanctuary we were able to explore the altar w
22 September 2025
Two years ago we published a parish photo directory. It seems appropriate, now, to update it. Parishioners who would like to be part of this project by having their photos taken and published in the directory will be able to have their picture taken in the Lady Chapel after most Sunday Masses over the coming weeks. T
19 September 2025
A new bible study will begin on Thursday, 9 October. The study will be Ephesians: Discover Your Inheritance. Ephesians was one of the most widely circulated of St. Paul’s writings because of its powerful, practical instructions for disciples of Christ. This study examines many important themes that are still relevant in today’s Christian culture and society—the nature of marriage, the purpose and role of the Church, the pre-eminence of grace in God’s plan, and the reality of spiritual warfare. This is an 8 week study and classes will be held on Thursday evenings from 7-9pm. The cost is £20 and financial assistance is available. Please register by contacting Marie Baker at mbaker0813@gmail.com by 30 Sept.
16 September 2025
St Robert's Building Fund was launched at Masses on Low Sunday weekend. An update given at all Masses on the weekend of 28/29 June delivered the tremendous news that the building fund appeal was growing, with funds received to date totalling by that date of £44,567, of which 90% of this total has been gift-aided, ther
15 September 2025
We will begin adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Saturday of each month from 4-4.50pm, starting on Saturday 4th October. It will be an opportunity to spend some time with the Lord and, perhaps, to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation which is offered at the same time before the 5pm Mass.
14 September 2025
A group of parishioners accompanied by Fr Simon spent the weekend on retreat at Ampleforth Abbey. The retreat, led by Fr Luke Beckett OSB, explored some of the writings of St Paul, opening up the many themes of his letters and applying them to our own spiritual lives. The group took part in the liturgies of the monast
21 August 2025
An International Mass and Luncheon, celebrating our diverse cultural parish community, will take place at 11am on on Sunday, 5th October. Parishioners are invited to volunteer to represent their country of origin. We invite anyone who would like to offer a tasting of an authentic meal from their country to bring a dish
18 August 2025
After a successful Journey in Faith (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) course which started in September 2024, eight people were received into the Church at Easter this year. The new session of Journey in Faith has begun with five members so far. If you are not a Catholic and regularly worship at St Robert's o
14 August 2025
Thank you to Marie and her team and all the young people who took part in the Children's Holiday Bible Camp this year. The focus on the Mass produced a great deal of fruit. The children learned about the virtues of patience, faith, generosity. They experienced Adoration and contributed to the final Mass of the week
6 April 2025
The next Seminar will take place on Sunday 12th October at 10am in preparation for the Baptism Mass at 11am on Sunday 19th October 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 mom
Show More