29.10.2026
Renew, Release, Reach – Diocesan Mission Plan Unveiled at Synods
A prayerful roadmap outlining the vision for the spiritual growth of Dublin and Glendalough was unveiled at Diocesan Synods meeting in Alexandra College Dublin on Saturday October 17. Members of Synods and all people of Dublin and Glendalough are invited to continue the journey and shape the future of the dioceses at a ‘Vision to Action’ evening on Sunday November 15 at 7pm in Gathering Grounds at Kilternan Parish Church.
For the last year the Mission Sub Committee has been developing the Diocesan Mission Plan. This plan, committee chairperson the Revd Rob Clements explained, is designed to align our resources and efforts towards a shared goal.
“The mission plan brings together diverse parishes, ministries and communities to grow the Church and communities. It aims to ensure that resources in the dioceses are not merely managed but directed. A good mission plan should inspire us, unite us and enable us to move from a church focused on surviving to a church focused on thriving,” he said.
In 2025 there were seven diocesan mission events in which 120 people engaged in workshops focused on what kind of dioceses we want to be. They identified priorities and the Mission Sub Committee took the date and looked at the commonly identified priorities. Three words emgerged, he said: Renew, Release and Reach.
The new video highlighting Dublin and Glendalough’s priorities was premiered and you can watch it here:
Following consultation, the committee identified six priorities:
· Developing a new focus on mission,
· Investing in young people and intergenerational faith,
· Strengthening welcome, hospitality and inclusion,
· Renewing prayer, worship and discipleship,
· Equipping every member ministry and sustaining clergy wellbeing,
· Collaborating and stewarding resources well for the purpose of mission.
These are all outlined in the newly publishes Vision and Priorities leaflet and you can download the leaflet here
Now, he said, it is time to resource and act. “As we return to our parishes, diocesan structures and committees we need to think about the changes we need to make and what we have to do to achieve these priorities. What structures as dioceses and the Church do we need for it to flourish?” he asked.
Revd Rob highlighted an evening of worship and action planning which will take place in Gathering Grounds in Kilternan on November 15 and encouraged all members to attend to shape the future of Dublin and Glendalough. “If these are our priorities, what does this mean for an action plan for the dioceses? This is a sleeves up moment and an opportunity for the dioceses,” he stated.
You can find a full review of Dublin and Glendalough’s Diocesan Synods here.
