Synodality will once again feature on the agenda of the Spanish bishops. The Permanent Commission of the Spanish Episcopal Conference (CEE), which will meet on 29 and 30 September in Madrid, will examine a proposal to review the “synodal way of proceeding” of the Episcopal Conference itself, as well as the creation of a new instituted lay ministry “at the service of charity”.
This is stated in the agenda released by the CEE for its 274th meeting of the Permanent Commission, which will also review the translation of the Roman Missal and analyse the implications of the addresses given by Leo XIV during his trip to Spain.
Synodality returns to the agenda
The proposal will be presented by the Bishop of Solsona, Bishop Francisco Conesa, the Spanish Episcopal Conference’s referent for the Synod. According to official information, Conesa will propose “reviewing the synodal way of proceeding of the Episcopal Conference”.
Conesa will also report on the diocesan evaluation assemblies of the so-called “Implementation Phase of the Synod”, within the process opened after the Synod on Synodality.
A new ministry for the laity
The second novelty will come from the Episcopal Commission for Evangelisation, Catechesis and the Catechumenate, which will propose the creation of an “instituted lay ministry at the service of charity”.
The question of lay ministries has gained greater prominence in the Church in recent years. In 2021 Francis opened stable access for women to the instituted ministries of lector and acolyte and, months later, created the instituted ministry of catechist through the motu proprio Antiquum ministerium.
The translation of the Roman Missal will also be reviewed
Another relevant point directly affects the liturgy. The Episcopal Commission for the Liturgy will bring before the bishops, “for their review”, the translation of the Roman Missal.
The bishops will also analyse the implications of the addresses given by Leo XIV during his trip to Spain for the lines of action of the CEE and its various bodies. They will also be informed of the materials published with the interventions of the Pontiff.
Marriage, education and other matters
The Episcopal Commission for the Laity, Family and Life will review the 2026 Marriage Week and the communication campaign dedicated to marriage, while Education and Culture will present the report on educational grants for the 2025-2026 academic year and the proposal for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The Permanent Commission will likewise study a request for financial assistance to restore the churches damaged by the earthquakes recorded in Granada during August and a request for funding for the Kairós project.
The bishops will also evaluate the II Refresher Course for Bishops, held in Covadonga from 13 to 15 July, and will approve the agenda for the 130th Plenary Assembly, which will take place from 16 to 20 November.
The meeting will conclude with economic and follow-up matters, reports from the various episcopal commissions and the usual chapter on appointments.