Along with many Catholics I welcomed the announcement by the Irish Bishops that we are to embark on a “Synodal Pathway” leading to a National Synod within five years. I had been waiting impatiently for such an announcement telling myself that it was not before its time. As I reflected on what this might involve I found myself asking the question: Are we ready for it? It is not a question that leads to a quick answer but rather to long and deep reflection. In this frame of mind I downloaded Cardinal Mario Grech’s address to the Irish Bishops Conference to see what he had to say. He is the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops. Towards the end of his address, he expressed his own doubts: