Ireland: Julieann Moran appointed Secretary General of Synodal Pathway

Julieann Moran

Julieann Moran has been appointed as Secretary General of the Synodal Pathway in Ireland. Julieann was formerly the National Secretary for the Society of Missionary Children at Missio Ireland, where she worked since 2016 to raise mission awareness and develop evangelisation resources for dioceses, parishes, and Catholic primary schools across the island of Ireland.

The position of Secretary General is a new appointment and its purpose will be to promote synodality in the Irish Catholic Church, coordinating the work of the national Synodal Pathway and supporting Ireland's contribution to the Synod on Synodality initiated by Pope Francis for 2021-2023 with the theme, 'For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission'. The post includes responsibility for consultation, planning, communications and administration.

Welcoming the appointment, Dr Nicola Brady, chair of the Synodal Steering Committee, said: "Julieann comes to this role having already made a significant contribution to the work of promoting synodality in the Irish Church at all levels - local, national and universal. In particular, Julieann's experience in connecting the local Church in Ireland to wider global realities will be invaluable as the synodal process develops. On behalf of the Steering Committee I wish Julieann every success as Secretary General."

Following her appointment, Julieann said: "I am delighted to be appointed to this very significant role, and grateful for the opportunity to help shape the next steps taken on this synodal journey. As we continue to reflect upon our preparations for the Universal Synod, and what we have learnt so far in Ireland about who we are as a people of God, I look forward to working with as many people as possible in further outreach, consultations, and spiritual conversations for the Synodal Pathway. This will be a demanding task but a synodal Church is a Church that reaches out and listens: listens to God and listens to one another. With prayer, patience, and the Holy Spirit, I am convinced that synodality is essential in a Church that nurtures and renews the Gospel message of Jesus Christ today."

Bishop Brendan Leahy, vice-chair of the Synodal Steering Committee, said: "I am delighted with the appointment of Julieann Moran. I believe that on the basis of Julieann's vast experience of Church on so many levels - pastoral, cultural and missionary - she will contribute much to our Synodal Pathway in Ireland. In particular, I believe she will be able to engender a vibrant networking of individuals, parishes and dioceses, as well as congregations, movements and organisations, as we delve into the key Synod question: 'What does God want from the Church in Ireland at this time?' I know that Julieann's appointment will be warmly welcomed by many."