‘I have come that they may have life and have it to the full’ John10:10
In the chaos of our busy lives, we fail to recognise that we are constantly chasing time, trying to find time to catch up, time to fit in one extra task or another before time runs out, time to meet the next deadline.
Having the opportunity to step away, to use time in a different way is indeed a luxury. Being fortunate enough to be part of the Caritas Social Action Network Conference in Rome provided a wonderful opportunity to step back, taking time to reflect, share, rediscover our roots in the Gospel message of justice, peace, and love. All this in a tranquil environment allowing time for discernment and deep listening, to each other and to the Spirit working within and around our gathering.
In his introduction to the conference, Dr Austen Ivereigh reflected on the profound changes shaping our society, speaking of “anonymous power” and institutional uncertainty. Across society, many individuals and groups feel excluded and isolated, often scapegoated and blamed for economic and social fragmentation rooted in inadequate and unjust structures and systems. Faith communities are not immune to these pressures. Family dynamics have changed significantly, and building cohesive, vibrant parish communities—where everyone feels valued and accepted, and where our shared humanity is recognised—remains a challenge for the Church. How, then, can our parish communities become signs of resistance to rising populism? Dr. Ivereigh highlighted the continuity of social teaching contained in Vatican documents from Pope Paul to the current time, while Professor Helen Alford OP reflected on keywords from Pope Leo XIV’s Encyclical ‘Magnificent Humanity’ emphasising injustice, dignity, common good and love.
During the week, we visited the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development and took part in a round table meeting at Caritas Internationalis. Attending the Papal Audience with Pope Leo was unforgettable, reminding us that we belong to the wider worldwide Church community.
Much of the formal dialogue and reflection centred on four thematic workstreams: Dignity of Work, Young People, Flourishing Communities, and Organisational Challenges. Across the groups, common themes emerged: the need for belonging, acceptance, inclusion, outreach, collaboration in a challenging world, communities of resistance, and a deeper commitment to valuing every individual and group.
The conference was deeply enriching and joyful, offering much to absorb and reflect on. For me, the working groups were especially effective because they used the Synodal Process, or Conversations in the Spirit, which involves:
- Responding actively to our changing world by reading the signs of the times
- Creating prayerful, honest, and safe conversations shaped by gracious listening and courageous speaking
- Seeking the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit
- Allowing the stories we hear to move us towards action
School for Synodality, “Four Steps”
This process is a powerful way to foster inclusive conversation, ensuring that each participant feels heard and respected. When used well, it creates a strong sense of empowerment.
the preparatory document for the Synod stated:
“It is clear that the purpose of this Synod is not to produce more documents. Rather, it is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, warm hearts, and restore strength to our hands for our common mission”
Synod 2021-24 Preparatory Document
For Conversations in the Spirit to be meaningful and community-building, participants need a clear overview of the process and its intended outcomes, guided by an experienced facilitator. Everyone should commit to the process and agree to its ground rules. Although this may initially feel somewhat formal, shared commitment can help build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster a more cohesive parish community. Care should also be taken to respect the personal information shared, with an appropriate level of confidentiality.
We would do well to consider the powerful vision of our Church articulated by Pope Leo in Dilexi te
‘A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today’ Dilexi te 120.
Anne Peacey National Justice and Peace Network [email protected]
