School for Synodality Retreat
- Written by: Alex Walker
What would it be like to experience ourselves as 'Beloved' of God?
If we asked you what were the turning points of your life, you might say a job interview, or falling in love. But what about your baptism?
Most of us don't give a lot of thought to our baptism. it sits somewhere in the back of our consciousness. Perhaps we were babies, so we don't remember it, or were adults and it felt much more significant. But our baptism can sit behind all the busyness and events of life.
In the Gospel of Luke, during Jesus' baptism God spoke from heaven: "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
This calls to Jesus' attention his deepest identity as a Beloved Son and from then on his mission, drawing us into that same relationship. Through the gift of our baptism, God makes us his beloved sons and daughters. The challenge is to let that truth resonate within us, amid all the hustle of life.
We invite you to rediscover the joy of knowing ourselves beloved by God, unpacking that gift with inspirational Catholic speaker, David Wells, and a mixture of personal reflection and the opportunity to share prayerfully with others.
This beautiful opportunity is for anyone who feels drawn to reflect on their relationship to God and our beloved nature - no previous knowledge or reading necessary. Just bring yourself!
Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
Time: 12 noon - 4pm BST (GMT + 1)
Venue: On Zoom
ACTA and Synodality
- Written by: Simon Napper
Dear ACTA member,
The Vatican has published a document ‘Pathways for the Implementation Phase’ which sets out a timetable for the next stage of the Synodal process through to an Ecclesial Assembly of the Church in October 2028.
As Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe notes: “’Synodality’ may sound like ugly jargon, but it is founded on a principle that is at the heart of our faith. ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them’ (Matt 18:20).” Attached is a summary of the Synodal process published by the Diocese of Salford – if you can’t access it here, you can find it on the ACTA website at: www.acalltoaction.org.uk
Given the priority given to this by both Pope Francis and Pope Leo, ACTA will be concentrating on supporting this process during the implementation phase, in three specific ways:
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Tracking progress being made by the Church in Britain
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Supporting local and diocesan initiatives
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Providing resources and information about good and best practice both here in the UK and worldwide.
To do this effectively, we need your help:
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Due to the requirements of the law (specifically GDPR) you need to tell us if you wish to continue to receive information from ACTA in the future (from the national team and more locally).
- To this end we would like everyone who has registered to update their information by logging in. We particularly want you to let us know which diocese you are in and to assent to the GDPR rules in order to continue to receive news and information on local, national and international affairs. Please follow the video below to learn how to edit your login details.
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To help us track progress, please tell us what is happening in your parish, deanery and diocese (even if it’s not a lot yet). We plan to produce a ‘state of the nation’ report by early May.
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Keep checking in on the ACTA website to stay in touch with what is happening as the process moves forward.
Finally, we will have our AGM on Zoom in early June and we hope you can join and share your ideas.
Liturgy for the Modern Church
- Written by: Alex Walker
The Legacy of Pope Francis
- Written by: Alex Walker
Festival of Synodality – Saturday 6 June 2026
- Written by: Alex Walker
We invite YOU to the National Festival of Synodality at Glasgow Caledonian University, a day inspired by Pope Francis’ call to be “witnesses to synodality.” The Festival will focus on Conversation in the Spirit, a simple and powerful way of communal discernment rooted in listening, conversion and mission.
The day will celebrate the fruits already flourishing in the Church in Scotland and include input from Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Fr David McCallum SJ and Sandra Chaoul.
Participants will also have the opportunity to experience Conversation in the Spirit first hand.
Lunch is included.
All are welcome, especially those involved in parish and diocesan life, pastoral councils, schools and faith organisations.
Tickets: £45. Parishes and dioceses are encouraged to support those wishing to attend.
Tickets available: bit.ly/synodality26
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