The Synod’s plan of action was based on three fundamental points: to pass on its message, to implement particular proposals made by the synod and to draft a plan so the synod can continue to function.

A press conference held yesterday at the Archbishop’s Curia was addressed by pastoral secretary Fr Charles Cordina and Synod coordinator Fr Joe Galea Curmi.

Some of the measures taken by the Synod included the publication of two books, one with the Archbishop’s message about the Synod and another containing relevant information.

Cassettes with a reading of the Synod’s documents were also produced and are currently being translated into English. A total of 4,000 CDROMs The Synod for Children were also distributed.

A number of specialised booklets were also published, on various subjects such as the environment, politics, the media, feasts and social issues.

A task force was also set up to try and clear the backlog of cases in the ecclesiastical tribunal, which is seen as the first step towards the setting up of a pastoral ecclesiastical tribunal commission.

Other suggestions put forward by the Synod include raising the age of when youths receive the sacrament of Confirmation. In addition, the Synod prepared a plan for 2005 and 2006 to continue similar work.

Fr Cordina said: “Malta has changed and we are seeing how the Church can keep in touch with the people. We need to find ways to foster dialogue.

“We must also focus on the reality of the changes to family structure and the young generation. We have set ourselves targets and deadlines and we are also planning ahead for the future,” he said.

Fr Joe Galea Curmi also touched upon the areas that are troubling the church. “We had problems with 12 parish priests who have had to move parish. And we are also faced with some parishes where only the elderly remain,” he said. Fr Galea Curmi concluded: “We hope that in 10 or 20 years, people will look back on the Synod and realise that it had helped give the Church a new and modern image and outlook.”