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.

23 June 2025
Please find a link here to a copy of a message from Bishop Marcus regarding the recent passage through parliament of proposed legislative changes: the amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill decriminalising abortion up to birth, and the third reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill.
17 June 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. Details of cost, timings etc. along with how to book are all included in this weekend's bulletin.
16 June 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 is growing, with funds received to date totalling £44,567, of which 90% of this total has been gift-aided, thereby adding approx
31 May 2025
“Marvellous Mystery – the Mass comes alive” will be held Jul 21-25, 2025 from 9am – 12pm each day, Monday to Friday, in the parish Centre. All children age 5-11 are welcome! There will be games, music, crafts, and snacks. 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
22 May 2025
Look out for a series of sessions planned for the parish in the autumn. Designed to help us to a better understanding of our faith they will also help us to defend it more cogently in a world where people seem to be increasingly looking for meaning.
7 May 2025
We are looking for adult and teen volunteers in many different areas - come and see how you can help!
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.
23 December 2024
Please find on the link below a letter from Fr Simon and Miss Collins, headteacher of St Robert's School, outlining information for parents who are considering signing their children up for First Sacraments in St Robert's parish. Details of dates for the First Communion course and dates for holy communions will be announced in due course. This year, families will be given a choice of dates and Masses during the month of June at which their child can make their first holy communion and then there will be a joint celebration organised in July to bring the group together. You will find elsewhere on the website and on the parish bulletin details of the Reconciliation programme. The deadline for application for Confirmation has now passed but candidates will be able to apply for the 2026 Confirmation course in due time.
11 December 2024
Click on the link below to see a longer version of the introductory video showing a Birds Eye view of the church. With thanks to Rob Fakes of Skycam in York for his work on this project.
14 August 2024
There are currently seven young people attending the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Course and we keep them in our prayers as they continue to discover where the Lord is leading them. If you have felt called to discover more about the Catholic faith, do speak with Fr Simon after Mass to discuss how the parish can accompany you on your own spiritual journey.
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