As the Church continues with its synod questions in parishes, students at St Paul’s are also considering the same questions. You may find this video from the bishops of England and Wales helpful in explaining the Synod and its purpose https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFvfixE07iY. Bishop Patrick reads his Pastoral Letter relating to The Synod https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU0hS5GEEcU

The questions we are considering currently asked to consider and respond to are:

  1. As a parish do we know who are the people who feel marginalised or separated from the parish and society?
  2. How best can our parish respond?
  3. Suggest at least two identifiable ways (an immediate action and a long-term change) in which, as a parish, we will reach out to, and listen to, the marginalised or

Students have been thinking about their own parishes but also the same questions in the context of their school community. We will send our responses to the Trust for a collective response

We have been using prayer resources with our students too as they consider the questions posed to us

Journeying
The journey to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35): An Ignatian Reflection on ‘Supper at Emmaus’, by Matthias Stom

Listening 
Hearing Gods call (John 1:35-39): Encountering God, Day 7
The Story of Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52)

Discernment
Discerning Christ’s call, Day 1 (Mark 1:21-39)

Communion
Living as One (Acts 2:42-47)
The Journey of the Synodal Community (Ephesians 4:1-16, 5:2)
The First Council (Acts 15:1-35)

Mission
Spiritual Gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1-15,22,25-31):
Gifts at the Service of Community
Go out to the whole world (Mark 16:13-19)
Sharing the Good News
‘Feed’ and ‘Tend’ Others, Day 4 (John 21:1-19)