DIOCESAN SYNODAL PHASE
INTRODUCTION:
Every three years, Catholic bishops from around the world gather in Rome for a meeting called the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, at which they discuss a matter of pastoral importance proposed to them by the Pope. For the 2023 Synod of Bishops, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has chosen the theme of “synodality” itself: that is, how the Church is journeying together, and prayerfully reflecting together on its journey, so as to discern God’s will, and to pursue the pathways to which God calls us–towards deeper communion, fuller participation, and greater openness to fulfilling our mission in the world.
In preparation for the 2023 Synod, our Holy Father has asked every diocese, guided by their bishop, to undertake their own synodal phase of listening, dialogue, and community discernment, in which every person can participate and contribute. Our bishop will prepare a report summarizing the proceedings of these sessions, which will be shared with Synod organizers. The purpose of these sessions is not to reexamine unchanging Church teaching on matters of faith and morals, but to discuss how the timeless Gospel is lived out in the concrete circumstances of our time. We warmly welcome your input. We invite you to participate prayerfully, with openness and charity, in this opportunity to reflect together.
FOCUS QUESTIONS
FUNDAMENTAL QUESTIONS A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together,” by proclaiming, celebrating, and living the Gospel as we make our way to the Promised Land of Heaven.
1. What experiences of “journeying together” in your diocese and parish bring you joy and hope?
2. What difficulties and obstacles have you encountered to “journeying together” in your diocese and parish?
THEMATIC QUESTIONS
3. How do we most effectively witness to the truth, goodness, and beauty of the Gospel?
4. How effective are we in our three-fold mission of proclaiming and teaching the faith, of celebrating the liturgy and sacraments, and of service in charity?
5. How do all the members of the Church–laity and clergy–collaborate in their common mission?
6. How well do we dialogue–listen attentively and speak up candidly–within the Church and with the wider community?
PLEASE CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS AND THEN EITHER ATTEND THE MEETING ON MARCH 6th AT 1 PM OR EMAIL FR. BERES AT:
PASTORSAINTPETER@GMAIL.COM
WITH THE WORDS “2023 SYNOD” AS THE SUBJECT LINE
PLEASE NOTE THAT, PER THE DIRECTIONS FROM THE VATICAN AND U.S. BISHOPS, THESE ARE SOLELY LISTENING SESSIONS. YOU SHOULD NOT EXPECT A RESPONSE FROM THE PASTOR OR BISHOP.
