Remember the various Synods which take place in Rome, every few years, when Catholic Church leaders gather to discuss a certain theme, and from the gathering present a Document…….. From 3rd to 28th October bishops gathered in Rome, with young people from many countries, to talk about Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment. Significantly, since Francis became Pope, each Synod has had a period of preparation when Churches have been invited to discuss the Synod theme. The results of the preparatory discussions were sent to Rome, collated, and when the people gathered in Rome this document was used as a basis for further conversation. From that conversation, the Final Document of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith, and Vocational Discernment has been published, and can be accessed on the website of the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference. Have a read of it. It is described as a ‘roadmap’, to guide the way forward for the next number of years. The process marks the style of Pope Francis, calling for a Synodal Church, a Church of ‘people journeying together along the road of life, listening to and supporting one another on the way. That’s the kind of Church he calls for in each diocese and parish also.