Webinar: Synod Secretariat to discuss next steps for Diocesan Assemblies, launch new Diocesan Toolkit resource

Sep 2nd, 2026

Join the School for Synodality at 'Behind the Scenes at the Assembly' on Monday 7 September 2026 from 12 - 1.30pm for the launch of the School for Synodality's Diocesan Assembly Toolkit - a new resource designed to support next steps of the implementation phase of the Synod, beginning with diocesan Assemblies in 2027.

The Toolkit builds on the official documents from the Vatican to offer practical resources drawn from our own experiences of running a diocesan Assembly or Synod, and is designed to accompany diocesan synodal teams to a Spirit-filled and transformative Assembly process.

We are delighted to be joined by Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ and Fr Giacomo Costa SJ from the Secretariat for the Synod Office, and by special guests from around the world - including Janet Forbes of the Archdiocese of Armagh in Northern Ireland, Sheila Pires, Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference, and Kelly Paget, the Continental Synodal Contact for Oceania from the Diocese of Broken Bay, Australia.

Together we will explore key stages, and practical implications of the diocesan assemblies, offering a framework for how local churches will reflect on, discern, and share the fruits of the implementation phase in preparation for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly.

This webinar would be particularly useful for synod teams in dioceses or for those already involved in assemblies. However, all are welcome as we continue to work towards a more missionary, participatory, and synodal future. This session will be recorded.

Find our more and download the Assembly Toolkit here: www.schoolforsynodality.org.uk/diocesan-assembly-toolkit

The School for Synodality exists to support the Church's synodal journey of openness to the Holy Spirit through listening, sharing, and discernment. In partnership with dioceses, religious congregations, parishes, communities, and individuals, we create resources, workshops, and opportunities to reflect together, as well as speaking, writing and offering formation on synodality. While our work began with a focus on the Church in England and Wales, we are increasingly connecting with people from across the world, which brings rich experience and perspective to our work.

The General Secretariat of the Synod is the permanent central leadership body of the Synod office, based at the Vatican. The leadership consists of Pope Leo XIV as president, Cardinal Mario Grech as Secretary General, and Rev. Sr Nathalie Becquart XMCJ as Undersecretary as well as an Ordinary Council of Bishops and consultors.