for a synodal church: communion, participation, and mission pdf

The faithful have received the Holy Spirit in baptism and confirmation and are endowed with diverse gifts and charisms for the renewal and building up of the Church, as members of the Body of Christ. The synodal journey unfolds within a historical context marked by epochal changes in society Vatican releases Synod document calling for discussion of women, Communities currently in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic are likely to organize different dialogue and listening opportunities than those with high rates of recovery. 1.1 What is the purpose of this Vademecum? As we embrace this Synodal Process, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to be at work in us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. In a synodal style we make decisions through discernment of what the Holy Spirit is saying through our whole community. Participant Instructions III. What is the Spirit asking of us? The Bishop is invited to communicate with the respective bodies, organizations, and structures in the diocese, including the Diocesan Pastoral Council, the Presbyteral Council, parishes, religious communities, lay movements, various pastoral ministries (such as in schools and hospitals), and diocesan commissions to encourage their participation in the Synodal Process and to request their help as is fitting. Thus this Synod not only expects responses that can assist the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in October 2023, but also desires to promote and develop the practice and experience of being Synodal in the course of the process and in the future moving forward. For a Synodal Church For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. - Where Peter Is Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B 2021 Fr. The Bishop can seek feedback and participation wherever helpful in the organization process. WebArchdiocese in a synodal spirit reecting on the state of the Church, journeying together. LONG-TERM GOAL Creating a more Synodal Church here in the Archdiocese of New York OBJECTIVES Listen to all No one should be excluded Dream about the Church we are called to be Discern ways for continual intentional synodality The General Secretariat of the Synod may identify other forms of consultation of the People of God. Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the original Latin, meaning, We stand before You, Holy Spirit, which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, and is attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 4 April 636). We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. but to cooperate more effectively with the work of God in history. A synodal Church is a Church of participation and co-responsibility. Being a synodal Church finds expression in ecumenical councils, Synods of Bishops, diocesan Synods, and diocesan and parish councils. SECTION I. How can we foster a more synodal approach in our participation and leadership? They are the vital pillars of a Synodal Church. Synodality is not a corporate strategic exercise. More Consultation Questions to Guide the Synodal Process, III. Prayer materials, biblical reflections, and sacred music, as well as works of art, poetry, and so on, can also be used to stimulate reflection and dialogue. At the same time, this global crisis has revived our sense that we are all in the same boat, and that one persons problems are the problems of all (FT, 32). For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission The hope is that the experience of the Synodal Process will bring about a new springtime for listening, discernment, dialogue, and decision-making, so that the whole People of God can better journey together with one another and the entire human family, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We must make a special effort to listen to those we may be tempted to see as unimportant and those who force us to consider new points of view that may change our way of thinking. The following are particular attitudes that enable genuine listening and dialogue as we participate in the Synodal Process. Though the personal involvement of the diocesan Bishop in the listening process may take many forms, he is encouraged to take part and be attentive to the voice of the faithful. On the Churchs path of synodality, these participatory bodies on the diocesan level can prove fundamental, and from here a synodal Church can begin to emerge (EC, 7). We are clay in the hands of the divine Potter (Isaiah 64:8). Episcopal conferences and synods of Oriental Churches are called to discern and assemble this wider synthesis through a Pre-Synodal Meeting of their own. 2. This Synodal Process need not be seen as an overwhelming burden that competes with local pastoral care. For this reason, you are encouraged to root the local experience of the Synodal Process in meditation on Scripture, the liturgy, and prayer. WebThe practice of living as a synodal Church means: The conversations lead to conversion to Christ and commitment to active participation in the mission given by Christ In addition to the more formal aspects of speaking and listening to one another, it is important that gatherings have informal moments as well. 6. Objectives of the Synodal Process 1.4The theme for this Synod: Towards a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission 1.5The Experience on the Local Level 2. At the same time, priests and deacons can find new and creative ways of fostering an authentically synodal experience among the lay faithful, in connection with the initiatives of the diocesan Bishop and the Diocesan Contact Person(s) that are designated for this Synodal Process. Dioceses are called to keep in mind that the main subjects of this synodal experience are all the baptised. The involvement of the synodal bodies of the local Churches is specifically requested, especially the Presbyteral Council and the Pastoral Council (PD, 31). How does the Church dialogue with and learn from other sectors of society: the spheres of politics, economics, culture, civil society, and people who live in poverty? For a Synodal Church: Participants Guide 4 The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington Introduction: Journeying Together T he entire Catholic Church is called to participate in the upcoming Synod of Bishops! What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? 5. Dioceses can reflect on the possible role of the Diocesan Contact Person(s) in continuing to serve the path of synodality in the diocese up to October 2023 and beyond. Listening to the Holy Spirit and each other. What fruits have we drawn from walking together? [5] FRANCIS, Address at the Ceremony Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops (17 October 2015). In the successive phases of the present Synod, they will be a liaison point for the episcopal conferences and continental gatherings, and can help the diocese remain engaged in the Synodal Process. Enlarge the space of your tent (Isaiah 54:2) Synod 2021 - 2024. Appendix B provides an outline of how a typical synodal consultation meeting can be conducted. 5. For a Synodal Church There is no hierarchy between them. While awaiting the list of participants for the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme "For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, mission" (Oct 4-29, 2023), let's take a moment to explore the structural composition of the assembly body. The following are several pitfalls that must be avoided in order to promote the vitality and fruitfulness of the Synodal Process. Synodality: Communion, Participation and Mission He does not only save people individually but as a people that he gathers together, as the one Shepherd of the entire flock (cf. The Bishop is encouraged to take an active role in the diocesan phase of this Synodal Process. It is Christ who reconciles us to the Father and unites us with each other in the Holy Spirit. Many regions already have established processes for engaging with the faithful at the level of their parishes, movements, and dioceses. Nevertheless, fixating on the problems will only lead us to be overwhelmed, discouraged, and cynical. REVIEWING THE SYNODAL EXPERIENCE. The Unions, the Federations and the male and female Conferences of Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life consult the Major Superiors, who in their turn may approach their own Councils and other members of the Institutes and Societies in question. In addition, we have answered some Frequently Asked Questions on the Synodal Process and suggested approaches to Pope Francis has opened a synod on journeying together as a Church www.rcvbd.com/synod THEME: Communion, Participation and Mission How is discernment about missionary choices made and by whom? For a Synodal Church For A Synodal Church To assist the initial phase of the synodal journey, the General Secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Mario Grech, wrote to each Bishop in May 2021, inviting him to appoint a contact person or team to lead the local listening phase. WebFor A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation & Mission WHAT IS A MORE SYNODAL CHURCH? There is no hierarchy between them. This also means broadening our perspectives to the dimensions of the entire Church and asking questions, such as: What is Gods plan for the Church here and now? What particular issues in the Church and society do we need to pay more attention to? The Meaning of Consensus in the Synodal Process, DV VATICAN COUNCIL II, Dogm. Ultimately, this path of walking together is the most effective way of manifesting and putting into practice the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God (PD, 1). This person or team is also the liaison between the diocese and parishes, as well as between the diocese and the episcopal conference. What tools and procedures do we use to promote transparency and accountability? For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. - Where Peter Is Homily for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B 2021 Fr. We must keep the bigger picture in view to fulfil our mission in the world. These may be voluntary or remunerated positions, and might be undertaken by person(s) already working within the diocese. The aim of the Synod of Bishops is not to overshadow the diocesan, episcopal conference/synod of Oriental Churches, and continental phases, but rather to discern at a universal level the voice of the Holy Spirit who has been speaking throughout the entire Church. WebFor a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission Discernment on the Document for the Continental Stage (DCS) Note: Italicised quotes are from the groups who FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH: COMMUNION, The Agency for Evangelization are pleased to offer the Diocesan Discernment Groups Response to the DCS, the Working Document for the Continental Stage, along with our own diocesan Bishops Reflection on the Continental Stage of the Synodal Process. In each particular Church, the Bishops carry out the consultation of the People of God by recourse to the participatory bodies provided for by the law, without excluding other methods that they deem appropriate. The second image refers to the experience of the Holy Spirit in which Peter and the early community recognize the risk of placing unjustified limits on sharing the faith (PD, 22-24). Fostering participation leads us out of ourselves to involve others who hold different views than we do. for a synodal church Within each local Church, gatherings should be set up in a way that promotes the most fruitful synodal experience in the local context. It is worth noting that the consultation undertaken by the diocesan phase of the Synodal Process is coordinated by the diocesan Bishop and addressed to the priests, deacons and lay faithful of their [local] Churches, both individually and in associations, without overlooking the valuable contribution that consecrated men and women can offer (EC, 7). For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and 1.2What is Synodality? We all have a role to play in discerning and living out Gods call for his people. Finally, a diocesan synthesis should be prepared based on all the collated feedback from across the diocese as well as the proceedings of the Pre-Synodal Meeting. The diocesan Bishop holds a key role in listening to the People of God in his diocesan Church. These include the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, the Union of Superiors General and International Union Superiors General (USG and UISG), other Unions and Federations of Consecrated life, international lay movements, Universities, and Faculties of Theology. Finally, they are men of prayer who promote a genuinely spiritual experience of synodality, so that the People of God can be more attentive to the Holy Spirit and listen together to the will of God. The fullness of the Synodal Process can only truly exist with the involvement of the local Churches, requiring the personal involvement of the diocesan Bishop. and what steps is the Spirit inviting us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church? By reflecting together on the journey that has been made so far, the diverse members of the Church will be able to learn from one anothers experiences and perspectives, guided by the Holy Spirit (PD, 1). Mission. The Secretariat issued its preparatory document and a Vademecum (handbook) to assist local dioceses and Churches ahead of the first phase of the multi-year Synodal A sincere word of gratitude to all those who organize, coordinate, and participate in this Synodal Process. I say this because I am confident the Synod will be the greatest grace since The path of synodality seeks to make pastoral decisions that reflect the will of God as closely as possible, grounding them in the living voice of the People of God (ICT, Syn., 68). FOR A SYNODAL CHURCH The two documents are complementary and should be read in tandem with one another. The diversity of the local Churches and their context and culture bring different gifts to the whole, enriching the entire Body of Christ. The aim is not to answer all of the questions, but to choose those that are most relevant in your local context. Discernment involves reflection and engages both the heart and head in making decisions in our concrete lives to seek and find the will of God. This is the first responsibility of the Diocesan Contact Person(s), appointed to guide and animate the diocesan phase of the Synodal Process. Such nuanced reactions are often part of the synodal path. WebLiving as a Synodal Church. This first stage of the Synodal Process provides the foundation for all the other phases that follow. God is truly at work in the entire people that he has gathered together. This first Instrumentum Laboris will then be discussed at the continental meetings (see Part 3.3 below). Participation is based on the fact that all the faithful are qualified and are called to serve one another through the gifts they have each received from the Holy Spirit. What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our journeying together? How is authority or governance exercised within our local Church? Superficial or scripted input that does not accurately and richly represent the experience of the people will not be helpful, nor that which does not express the full range and diversity of experiences. Satish Joseph This homily is composed using the Preparatory Documents for the Synod and from Pope Franciss homily for the inauguration of the Synodal process. Rather, the diocesan synthesis should be an honest report of all that was shared during the diocesan phase of the Synodal Process, representing the variety of views and perspectives of the People of God. In fact, the whole Synodal Process aims at fostering a lived experience of discernment, participation, and co-responsibility, where a diversity of gifts is brought together for the Churchs mission in the world. Indeed, synodality is not so much an event or a slogan as a style and a way of being by which the Church lives out her mission in the world. They are able to communicate to the people on behalf of the Bishop, and they are also able to communicate from the people to the Bishop. How are we called to grow as companions? o An innovative outlook: To develop new approaches, with creativity and a certain audacity. The Vatican has published the list of participants for the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, on the theme "For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, mission" (Oct 4-29, 2023) Two or more parishes can come together to plan a series of joint synodal consultation meetings. 2) The temptation to focus on ourselves and our immediate concerns. What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? The coordinators can then discern and plan the most appropriate processes for their particular groups, in communication with the diocesan synodal team. For certain other regions, the experience of this Synodal Process is new and uncharted territory. In responding to these questions, it is helpful to remember that journeying together occurs in two deeply interconnected ways. In this sense, the synthesis does not only report common trends and points of convergence, but also highlights those points that strike a chord, inspire an original point of view, or open a new horizon. We are conscious that there are a number of countries where the local Church has initiated a synodal conversation of its own, including the Ecclesial Assembly in Latin America and the Caribbean, the Plenary Council in Australia, and the synodal journeys in Germany and Ireland. This is why the entire body of the faithful, anointed as they are by the Holy One, cannot err in matters of belief. To help people explore this fundamental question more fully, the following themes highlight significant aspects of lived synodality (PD, 30). Synodality ought to be expressed in the Churchs ordinary way of living and working. How do we promote participation in decision-making within hierarchical structures?

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