As a Sister of Mercy when I first studied the purpose of the Synod I was struck by the following passage “the purpose is to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another, enlighten minds, give strength to our hands”. I then asked myself what word was it that called me to Mercy life? Can I even remember? All I know is that it came through the words and actions of many people. My journey is in God’s hands, and I trust in Him.

The Church is experiencing huge changes just as we are in our Congregation. There are so many similarities between the Diocesan Synodal Pathway and the Building Hope Programme in the Dublin Archdiocese and where I find myself in my Ministry.

I have been blessed, through my teaching career, to be part of the lives of so many young people, their success, struggles, questioning and growth. This interaction has, in no small way impacted my own life and spirituality. In 2021 I retired from a career I loved, I had great plans and dreams for the year ahead. The Holy Spirit intervened and instead of leisurely walks, reflection, and renewal, I was invited to become a Post Primary Diocesan Adviser in the Dublin Archdiocese (181 schools)

I began a new journey, I travel the roads, visiting Religious Education Teams and Chaplains. I deliver an Ember Faith Development Programme that trains 5th Year Students to take responsibility for the enhancement of Ethos in their School.  I also co-ordinate the Pope John Paul II Awards and collaborate with Education Trusts, including CEIST, on a variety of prayer days and school in-service training. Communication is key and collaboration is the way forward.

Pope Francis has called on all Catholics to enter a process in which we walk together and examine what the future of the Church could be. This involves listening to the voices of all who make up the Church, not just those with whom we share a vision. The young people I encounter yearn for a listening ear, to have a forum to share ideas and projects, to show the true face of the Church and to be acknowledged and welcomed. I have been reminded often of Mother McAuley’s stance on hospitality and it is evident in our schools and wider communities.

How can I help to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in my work? Pope Francis has said that he wants the voices of the young in our Church to be heard. In my ministry I hope that each encounter causes me to reflect on what it is like to walk in another’s shoes, and to open lines of communication for all who work with youth, to feel that they can contact me for support or just that listening ear.

Our Church is founded on the Gospel principles where Jesus healed, comforted, fed the hungry and walked with the poor and marginalised. Part of my job is to ensure that no Ember group is left out of any activity because their school does not have the finance to allow them to be present. Is this not what each of us committed ourselves to when we became Sisters of Mercy?

Young people dream about what the future of the Church could be. In ministry I walk with those who want to make this a reality – we walk together in search of God’s truth for us. Reflection is paramount, every voice must be heard, young people will be the first to see those who are excluded. The Synodal journey is not just a listening exercise, there must be action; participation and communication are vital.

Let us open gates, equip ourselves with the keys to dissolve barriers and dare to adopt the unexpected that God has in store for us. What are these keys? The keys of contemplation, conversion, sharing, participation, and open-mindedness. With Our Lady of Mercy at our side may we “Act justly, Love tenderly and Walk humbly with God” every day in service of each person we meet until we are called home.

Sr. Concepta Foley
South Central Province