Synodal Invitation – Telling our Story; being the Church today
You will be aware that the work of the synod on synodality is now in the implementation phase. This phase emphasises the ongoing heart of what it means to be a synodal Church and how the aim of it is to cultivate and nurture flourishing parishes in communion for mission.
We are now in a phase of being encouraged to tell our story, to share how we do things and how well we are doing. It is also an opportunity to consider where we might want to grow further, conscious that we are all on a journey of conversion. It is important that we can celebrate what is going well and give encouragement to one another. This we will do at a Diocesan Assembly in the late Spring.
As a way of gathering the stories for this event there will be the opportunity to come together in four areas of the Diocese to listen to one another and hear the many stories that are shaping our parishes and communities. These meetings will take place in February and March.
In order to prepare for these important events, Bishop Bosco is encouraging us to start the process of reflecting in our Parishes on the ways in which we are nurturing a culture of synodality in our Liturgy, our formation programmes and our outreach to the poor and the marginalised. The aim of this is not to write a long report but to capture a picture of what is happening in our Diocese.
The Diocesan Synod Team is keen to accompany you in this task and as a starting point, we would like to invite everyone and anyone to come to a short area meeting in one of four locations, when we will learn how to facilitate groups effectively and encourage people to listen and share with one another. If you were involved in the work of the Synod back in 2022, you will have gained some familiarity in the methodology of Conversations in the Spirit (CiS) and of facilitation. It is likely that many of us will want to have the opportunity to be reminded of how to go about this and if new to this, to gain the skills and experience of facilitating small groups. Please come to the meeting without feeling that you are committing to anything further - do see it as a 'come and see if this is something I want to be involved with.'
If you have signed up to the Facilitators forum, it is essential that you attend one of these sessions, regardless of your experience.
Our four areas and dates are:
26 September, St. Dunstan, Keynsham: 10am - 12noon - https://CiSKeynsham.eventbrite.co.uk
26 September, English Martyrs, Chard: 2.30pm - 4.30pm - https://CisChard.eventbrite.co.uk
3 October, English Martyrs, Tuffley: 10am - 12noon - https://cisTuffley.eventbrite.co.uk
3 October, St. John the Baptist, Trowbridge: 2.30pm - 4.30pm - https://CisTrowbridge.eventbrite.co.uk
If you are unable to attend the meeting closest to you, please feel free to attend any of the others. Refreshments will be available 30 minutes before the meeting starts. So that we can know what numbers to cater for, please register using the Eventbrite link. If registering for more than one person, please do give their names - this is important for us to have a proper register of attendees.
In addition to these formation meetings, we are also offering two online zoom information sessions (different to the above) which may also help you to decide if you wish to be involved (we hope you will). You only need to attend one.
These will take place on:
22 September, 7-8pm - https://synodalinfosession1.eventbrite.co.uk
24 September, 7-8pm - https://synodalinfosession2.eventbrite.co.uk
Again, you will need to register for one of these so that you can receive the link to the meeting.
Please feel free to invite anyone you know, especially new parishioners, people newly received into the Church and young people.
Please also see the Parish Resource which gives you more information.
If you have any questions about any of this, please do contact the team by emailing synod@cliftondiocese.com
We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to this exciting new stage of the journey.
Every blessing from the Diocesan Synod team
Becoming a synodal Church
Jun 26, 2026
To help Clifton as it becomes more synodal in the way it lives out its mission, Bishop Bosco has brought together a small team from across the diocese to provide a resource for parishes and Church organisations.
In his first address after being elected, Pope Leo echoed Pope Francis in saying he wanted the Church to be a ‘synodal Church’. Synodal means travelling together, as the People of God, bringing the Good News to the world. All of the baptised have a part to play in that process.
Bishop Bosco said: “The Church has always renewed herself by listening attentively to the voice of the Holy Spirit and by seeking together the path God is asking us to follow. This spirit of synodality is not something new. It is deeply rooted in the life of the Church and reminds us that we are called to walk together in faith, prayer and mission.”
The Clifton Synod Team is drawn from across the diocese and includes both clergy and laity, men and women. To make contact with the team, or to find out more about Synodality in Clifton, contact: synod@cliftondiocese.com
The Clifton Synod Team with Bishop Bosco