‘‘No-one can be excluded.’’ — Pope Francis Pope Francis is asking the Church to listen to every voice in the community – laity, disenfranchised, religious – each and all who have a view to offer. Synod is a Greek word (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly. The two Greek words that make up synod are 'syn', meaning together, and 'hodos', meaning way or journey. By convening this Synod, Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission. We aspire "to plant dreams ... allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another, and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds [and] warm hearts..." (Pope Francis, address of 3 October 2018). The synodal mission: — Humility in listening; — Courage in speaking; — An invitation to dialogue. We come together to listen to each other, and enter into dialogue in order that we will change. An easy way to participate: this anonymous online questionnaire (see link below) takes about 6 minutes to complete. If you have other thoughts you would like to share which aren't covered by the questionnaire, you can email info@synod.galwaydiocese.ie or write to the postal address below. Your postal submission can be anonymous – just add 'Synod' to your envelope. Fr Gerard McCarthy SVD Diocesan Pastoral Outreach Centre Árus de Brún Newtownsmith Galway info@synod.galwaydiocese.ie The submission process is open until 3 April 2022.