Pope Francis has formally on October 10 opened a two year process for a synod. Bishops from around the world will consult with parishioners, monks, nuns and Catholic universities before coming together for a discussion in 2023. Their discussions will center upon, “How the church can learn to rely more fully on this kind of consultation and discussion process, how it can become more synodal in its governance. Its focus is to make church governance more open and inclusive of all its members.
“A synodal Church is a Church which listens”, states Pope Francis, that mutual listening has been the goal of much of the church’s renewal since Vatican II. Unlike previous synods, this one officially begins in dioceses all over the world, with opportunities for mutual discussion at every level and among many different church organizations.
We will be holding our synod here at St. Agnes during the Lenten Season. I want to invite everyone to be a part of our listening time. It will be held on Sunday between Masses so that more people will be able tto attend. There are 10 major parts of Synodality. Each parish is inviting everyone to come and be a part of dialogue. Dialogue is both speaking and listening to what other have to say. A Synod is not a gripe session, but rather it 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 build new and deeper relationship, to learn from one another.
Dialogue is the foundation of all synodal consultations. Dialogue does not happen when there is arguing. However there may be conflicting ideas. We may not all agree upon what is discussed in the synodal consultation, but we should acknowledge that what we discern has the potential to be the will of God for the parish and for the greater Church in the future.
The three areas of discussion: Growing in holiness, Forming Intentional Disciples and being sent to Witness. These are not scary nor are they boring. They are intended to give direction to our parish, diocese and the Church at large here in the United States. I hope that many of you take the time to be a part of this journey during this coming Lent.