The third sitting of the Archdiocesan Synod will take place at the end of January 2009.

Synod coordinator Fr Allan Ventour disclosed the dates – January 23 and 24, and January 30 and 31 – following a meeting with Archbishop Edward Gilbert on his return from his annual vacation. During the meeting the Archbishop was brought up to date on how the preparations had been coming along.

Originally scheduled to take place this October, the synod was deferred since there were challenges in meeting the set deadlines, which resulted in Archbishop Gilbert setting up a special Synod Process Team, headed by Fr Ventour, to ensure that all preparations for Synod III are completed on time. The venue for the 2009 synod is the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. Previous synods were held in 2003 and 2005.

During September and October, synod work will be heightened at the vicariate and parish levels with a number of meetings that will allow delegates time for discussions to facilitate the preparation of synod resolutions.

Plans have also been announced for the production of a full colour booklet and a video documentary to celebrate the achievements of Synods 2003 and 2005.