|
|
|
|
|
Oct 3, 2022
The synodal process that we are following is entering its second stage. In this stage, the goal is the same: “to synod.” That is to say, “to walk together.” “It’s not about gathering opinions, nor holding a parliament,” Francis explains in his Pope Video for this month, brought to you by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, but rather “listening to each other in our diversity and opening doors to those who are outside the Church.” And by listening to “the protagonist, the Holy Spirit,” which requires prayer, the Synod can become an “opportunity to be a Church of closeness, which is God’s style.” What does it mean “to synod”? It means walking together: syn-od. This is what it means in Greek: “to walk together” and to walk on the same road. And this is what God expects of the Church of the third millennium –that it regain its awareness of being a people on the road and of having to travel together. A Church with this synodal style is a Church that listens, that knows that listening is more than just hearing. It means listening to each other in our diversity and opening doors to those outside the Church. It’s not about gathering opinions, nor holding a parliament. The synod isn’t a survey; it’s about listening to the protagonist, the Holy Spirit. It’s about praying. Without prayer, there will be no Synod. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to be a Church of closeness, which is God’s style –closeness. And let us give thanks to all the people of God who, with their attentive listening, are walking the synodal way. Let us pray that the Church, ever faithful to the Gospel and courageous in preaching it, may live in an increasing atmosphere of synodality and be a community of solidarity, fraternity, and welcome. Via the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer): https://www.popesprayer.va If you want to see more videos and other content about the Pope's intentions, you can find them at https://www.thepopevideo.org/ With the collaboration of Vatican Media: http://www.vaticannews.va and the General Secretary of the Synod https://www.synod.va/en.html #ThePopeVideo #Prayer #PopeFrancis #LetUsWalkTogether #LetUsToDoTheSynod #Synod
The synodal process that we are following is entering its second stage. In this stage, the goal is the same: “to synod.” That is to say, “to walk together.” “It’s not about gathering opinions, nor holding a parliament,” Francis explains in his Pope Video for this month, brought to you by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, but rather “listening to each other in our diversity and opening doors to those who are outside the Church.” And by listening to “the protagonist, the Holy Spirit,” which requires prayer, the Synod can become an “opportunity to be a Church of closeness, which is God’s style.” What does it mean “to synod”? It means walking together: syn-od. This is what it means in Greek: “to walk together” and to walk on the same road. And this is what God expects of the Church of the third millennium –that it regain its awareness of being a people on the road and of having to travel together. A Church with this synodal style is a Church that listens, that knows that listening is more than just hearing. It means listening to each other in our diversity and opening doors to those outside the Church. It’s not about gathering opinions, nor holding a parliament. The synod isn’t a survey; it’s about listening to the protagonist, the Holy Spirit. It’s about praying. Without prayer, there will be no Synod. Let us take advantage of this opportunity to be a Church of closeness, which is God’s style –closeness. And let us give thanks to all the people of God who, with their attentive listening, are walking the synodal way. Let us pray that the Church, ever faithful to the Gospel and courageous in preaching it, may live in an increasing atmosphere of synodality and be a community of solidarity, fraternity, and welcome. Via the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network (Apostleship of Prayer): https://www.popesprayer.va If you want to see more videos and other content about the Pope's intentions, you can find them at https://www.thepopevideo.org/ With the collaboration of Vatican Media: http://www.vaticannews.va and the General Secretary of the Synod https://www.synod.va/en.html #ThePopeVideo #Prayer #PopeFrancis #LetUsWalkTogether #LetUsToDoTheSynod #Synod
|
|
|
Download the report that our diocese has sent to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (USCCB)
|
| ||||||
Thank you to all who were able to attend the Synod Listening Sessions!
If you were unable to attend in-person or online, we would still love to receive your input at the parish level.
If you would like to respond to any of the questions given to us by Pope Francis, please scroll down to the response section and submit your thoughts, feeling and ideas.
Thank you for participating!
Questions for the Synod
The Ten Synod Themes to Explore and Questions to Discuss
1. THE JOURNEYING COMPANIONS
In the Church and in society, we are side by side on the same road.
A. When we say “our Church,” who is part of it?
B. Do I feel invited to be part of the journey?
C. When have I felt that I was or was not invited to the journey?
D. Have I seen or experienced persons or groups who have not felt invited to be part of the journey?
2. LISTENING
Listening is the first step, but it requires having an open mind and heart, without prejudices.
A. In your experience, to whom does your local parish Church “need to listen to”?
B. In your experience, to whom does the Church at large need to listen to?
3. SPEAKING OUT
All are invited to speak with courage and boldness, that is, integrating freedom, truth and charity.
A. Are you aware if your parish has resources where you may share your concerns with truth, charity, and boldness?
4. CELEBRATING
“Journeying Together” is only possible if it is based on communal listening to the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist.
A. How does prayer and liturgical celebrations (Mass and Communal Prayer) at my parish inspire and guide our “journeying together”?
B. Do you feel engaged in the liturgy and prayer life of your parish community?
5. CO-RESPONSIBLE IN THE MISSION
Synodality is at the service of the Church’s mission, in which all her members are called to participate.
A. We are called to be missionary disciples, how are you, as a baptized person, called to participate in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel?
B. How is your parish living the mission of proclaiming the Gospel?
6. DIALOGUE IN THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Dialogue is a path of perseverance that is ideally capable of gathering experiences of all persons, including those who feel they have been silenced or have been suffering in silence.
A. Does your parish engage with other believers and with non-believers?
B Is there a place for your parish members to dialogue openly?
C. How have differing opinions been addressed at your parish?
7. WITH THE OTHER CHRISTIAN CONFESSIONS
The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one Baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey.
A. What relations does your parish have with the brother and sisters of other Christian denominations?
B. What areas do they concern?
C. What fruits have we drawn from this “journeying together”?
D. What are the difficulties?
8. AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION
A synodal Church is a listening Church that provides opportunities to listen to the Holy Spirit and People of God in order to discern together and walk forward on a common path.
A. How does your parish identify the goals to be pursued, the way to achieve them and the steps to be taken?
B. How are the practices of teamwork, co-responsibility, and lay ministries promoted in your parish?
9. DISCERNING AND DECIDING
In a synodal style, decisions are made through discernment, based on a consensus that flows from the common obedience to the Holy Spirit.
A. By what procedures and methods do we discern together and make decisions?
B. How can they be improved?
10. FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY
Journeying together calls us to lifelong formation and growth in our Christian faith.
A. How does your parish provide the tools you need to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
B. How does your parish provide opportunities for praying together, listening to one another, and engaging in dialogue as a community of believers to further the mission of the Gospel?
1. THE JOURNEYING COMPANIONS
In the Church and in society, we are side by side on the same road.
A. When we say “our Church,” who is part of it?
B. Do I feel invited to be part of the journey?
C. When have I felt that I was or was not invited to the journey?
D. Have I seen or experienced persons or groups who have not felt invited to be part of the journey?
2. LISTENING
Listening is the first step, but it requires having an open mind and heart, without prejudices.
A. In your experience, to whom does your local parish Church “need to listen to”?
B. In your experience, to whom does the Church at large need to listen to?
3. SPEAKING OUT
All are invited to speak with courage and boldness, that is, integrating freedom, truth and charity.
A. Are you aware if your parish has resources where you may share your concerns with truth, charity, and boldness?
4. CELEBRATING
“Journeying Together” is only possible if it is based on communal listening to the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist.
A. How does prayer and liturgical celebrations (Mass and Communal Prayer) at my parish inspire and guide our “journeying together”?
B. Do you feel engaged in the liturgy and prayer life of your parish community?
5. CO-RESPONSIBLE IN THE MISSION
Synodality is at the service of the Church’s mission, in which all her members are called to participate.
A. We are called to be missionary disciples, how are you, as a baptized person, called to participate in the mission of proclaiming the Gospel?
B. How is your parish living the mission of proclaiming the Gospel?
6. DIALOGUE IN THE CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Dialogue is a path of perseverance that is ideally capable of gathering experiences of all persons, including those who feel they have been silenced or have been suffering in silence.
A. Does your parish engage with other believers and with non-believers?
B Is there a place for your parish members to dialogue openly?
C. How have differing opinions been addressed at your parish?
7. WITH THE OTHER CHRISTIAN CONFESSIONS
The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one Baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey.
A. What relations does your parish have with the brother and sisters of other Christian denominations?
B. What areas do they concern?
C. What fruits have we drawn from this “journeying together”?
D. What are the difficulties?
8. AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION
A synodal Church is a listening Church that provides opportunities to listen to the Holy Spirit and People of God in order to discern together and walk forward on a common path.
A. How does your parish identify the goals to be pursued, the way to achieve them and the steps to be taken?
B. How are the practices of teamwork, co-responsibility, and lay ministries promoted in your parish?
9. DISCERNING AND DECIDING
In a synodal style, decisions are made through discernment, based on a consensus that flows from the common obedience to the Holy Spirit.
A. By what procedures and methods do we discern together and make decisions?
B. How can they be improved?
10. FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY
Journeying together calls us to lifelong formation and growth in our Christian faith.
A. How does your parish provide the tools you need to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
B. How does your parish provide opportunities for praying together, listening to one another, and engaging in dialogue as a community of believers to further the mission of the Gospel?
Synod 2021 - 2023
|
Wow! For the first time the entire Church, (this includes all of us!) has been asked to be a part of this coming SYNOD.
While a synod is normally a gathering of Bishops, Pope Francis wants to hear directly from the people. This is a wonderful opportunity for each and every one of us and he wants to include all people, especially those who may no longer be practicing Catholics, those who feel left out, forgotten or outcast. Every voice matters! |
View the synod question at the top of this page or click the links below.
| ||||
In October 2023 the bishops of the Church will come together in Synod.
The path toward this Synod, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’,
began in October, 2021, in a worldwide invitation to all the faithful.
Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to ‘reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission’, the path of synodality.
The path toward this Synod, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’,
began in October, 2021, in a worldwide invitation to all the faithful.
Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to ‘reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission’, the path of synodality.
|
What is Synodality? Synodality denotes the particular style that qualifies the life and mission of the Church, expressing her nature as the People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. Synodality ought to be expressed in the Church’s ordinary way of living and working. Synodality, in this perspective, is much more than the celebration of ecclesial meetings and Bishops’ assemblies, or a matter of simple internal administration within the Church; it is the specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission. |
“The purpose of this Synod… is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, warm hearts, and restore strength to our hands for our common mission (PD, 32). Thus the objective of this synodal process is not only a series of exercises that start and stop, but rather a journey of growing authentically towards the communion and mission that God calls the Church to live out in the third millennium.” (Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality 1.3) |
Companions on the Journey
A truly synodal Church walks together, side by side, along the same road towards renewal in the Spirit and the good of all people. Journeying together requires great commitment to listen to the voices of all who make up the People of God, but especially those who have often been marginalized, and the openness to discern the path forward that prophetically renews and enlivens.
A truly synodal Church walks together, side by side, along the same road towards renewal in the Spirit and the good of all people. Journeying together requires great commitment to listen to the voices of all who make up the People of God, but especially those who have often been marginalized, and the openness to discern the path forward that prophetically renews and enlivens.
Listening
The synodal process necessitates that we, as the People of God, first listen with an open heart and open mind to where the Spirit is calling us and discern to whom we are needing to listen and what steps need to be taken to more fully live out our mission. Lived synodality is only possible through the approach of a listening Church, open to gathering and reflecting on the lived experiences of all its members, including making space for those often excluded and discarded: women, youth, victims of sexual abuse, and the poor and vulnerable.
The synodal process necessitates that we, as the People of God, first listen with an open heart and open mind to where the Spirit is calling us and discern to whom we are needing to listen and what steps need to be taken to more fully live out our mission. Lived synodality is only possible through the approach of a listening Church, open to gathering and reflecting on the lived experiences of all its members, including making space for those often excluded and discarded: women, youth, victims of sexual abuse, and the poor and vulnerable.
Speaking Out
Synodal dialogue insists on the open and honest contributions of all the People of God. Both in speaking and listening, a deep sense of courage and openness must be present to welcome all that the Spirit may bring forth. Courage must also be the foundation for the process by which the People of God discern and dialogue towards clarity, welcoming all contributions and working together to reveal the truth of the Spirit.
Synodal dialogue insists on the open and honest contributions of all the People of God. Both in speaking and listening, a deep sense of courage and openness must be present to welcome all that the Spirit may bring forth. Courage must also be the foundation for the process by which the People of God discern and dialogue towards clarity, welcoming all contributions and working together to reveal the truth of the Spirit.
Celebration
Journeying together is only possible if rooted in the Church’s communal listening to the Gospel and the celebration of the Eucharist.
A synodal Church discerns how prayer and liturgical celebration inspires and empowers the community’s active participation in our communal mission.
Journeying together is only possible if rooted in the Church’s communal listening to the Gospel and the celebration of the Eucharist.
A synodal Church discerns how prayer and liturgical celebration inspires and empowers the community’s active participation in our communal mission.
Sharing Responsibility for our Common Mission
The synodal process calls each member of the People of God to equally participate and take responsibility for the method of listening and dialogue being called for by the Spirit. The participation of each member of the faithful is required to further the mission of the church. Just as Jesus sends the apostles and the crowd out, so too, each member of the faithful is invited to live out a synodality that listens to the needs of the community and engages courageously in the work of the Spirit at work in the world.
The synodal process calls each member of the People of God to equally participate and take responsibility for the method of listening and dialogue being called for by the Spirit. The participation of each member of the faithful is required to further the mission of the church. Just as Jesus sends the apostles and the crowd out, so too, each member of the faithful is invited to live out a synodality that listens to the needs of the community and engages courageously in the work of the Spirit at work in the world.
