SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
1. What is a Synod? The meaning of the term “synod” comes from Greek: walking together on the road. In a synod, bishops from around the world are called by the Holy Father to come together to pray, reflect, and discuss important issues for the Church. It is a process of discernment, of listening to the Holy Spirit guiding the Church. A synod typically concludes with a formal statement that gives guidance and direction for the entire Church.
2. What is the Synod on Synodality? Pope Francis has called for the Synod on Synodality to be a time of prayerful refection and discernment on the way that the Church, that is, the laity, pastors, and the Holy Father ‘journey together”, or walk together on the road. The focus of the Synod is on Communion, Participation, and Mission. It is a two-year process of worldwide consultation, beginning an invitation for people in every diocese to share their thoughts and experiences. It concludes with the Synod of Bishops, who will receive a synthesis of the responses and discern the voice of the Spirit in the Church of the Third Millennium. The Preparatory Document for the Synod states that the purpose of the 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)
3. When is the Synod? The synodal process began in October 2021 and will conclude in October 2023. There are three main phases or stages: • Diocesan phase: October 2021 – August 2022; • Continental phase: August 2022 – March 2023; • Universal Church phase: October 2023: XVI Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops in Rome.
4. Who participates in the Synod? Everyone is invited to participate in the Synod. The Bishops need to hear from people in all situations so that they can hear the voices of the entire People of God. This means we need to spread the word about our local survey, especially to those who may not hear about it in church or on a parish website.
5. I don’t go to church regularly. Should I still participate in the Synod? Yes! Every voice needs to be heard. Please respond to the survey and tell us about your experiences.
2. What is the Synod on Synodality? Pope Francis has called for the Synod on Synodality to be a time of prayerful refection and discernment on the way that the Church, that is, the laity, pastors, and the Holy Father ‘journey together”, or walk together on the road. The focus of the Synod is on Communion, Participation, and Mission. It is a two-year process of worldwide consultation, beginning an invitation for people in every diocese to share their thoughts and experiences. It concludes with the Synod of Bishops, who will receive a synthesis of the responses and discern the voice of the Spirit in the Church of the Third Millennium. The Preparatory Document for the Synod states that the purpose of the 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)
3. When is the Synod? The synodal process began in October 2021 and will conclude in October 2023. There are three main phases or stages: • Diocesan phase: October 2021 – August 2022; • Continental phase: August 2022 – March 2023; • Universal Church phase: October 2023: XVI Ordinary General Assembly of Bishops in Rome.
4. Who participates in the Synod? Everyone is invited to participate in the Synod. The Bishops need to hear from people in all situations so that they can hear the voices of the entire People of God. This means we need to spread the word about our local survey, especially to those who may not hear about it in church or on a parish website.
5. I don’t go to church regularly. Should I still participate in the Synod? Yes! Every voice needs to be heard. Please respond to the survey and tell us about your experiences.
VISIT THE DIOCESAN SYNODAL WEBSITE
SHORT VIDEO PROVIDING SOME BACKGROUND INFORMATION