Further resources are available on the Synod website. More Consultation Questions to Guide the Synodal Process, III. The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey. This diocesan phase is an opportunity for parishes and dioceses to encounter, experience, and live out the synodal journey together, thus discovering or developing synodal tools and pathways that are best suited for their local context, which will ultimately become the new style of the local Churches on the path of synodality. It requires us to learn and exercise the art of personal and communal discernment. Spirituality Prayer to the Holy Spirit at the opening of a synod Philippe Lissac | GODONG Philip Kosloski - published on 10/08/21 The Church has traditionally recited the prayer Adsumus. For the Synodal journey from 2021 to 2023, we propose to the following simplified version,[1] so that any group or liturgical assembly can pray it more easily. Something of theexperienceof the local gathering should be conveyed in the feedback: the attitudes of the participants, and the joys and challenges of engaging together in discernment. Together, we are inspired by listening to the Word of God, through the living Tradition of the Church, and grounded in thesensus fideithat we share. The qualities of the Diocesan Contact Person(s), (B) Suggested Guide for Organizing a Synodal Consultation Meeting, e. Possibility of conducting online or hybrid synodal meetings (e-synodal meetings), f. Role of young people in online or hybrid meetings (e-synodal meetings), a. 9) Thetemptation to listen only to those who are already involved in Church activities. We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. Communion: By is gracious will, God gathers us together as diverse peoples of one faith, through the covenant that e offers to his people. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. 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? We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Official Handbook for Listening and Discernment in Local Churches: Leading up to the Assembly of Bishops in Synod in October 2023, Published by Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, Prayer for the Synod:Adsumus Sancte Spiritus. The contribution of the participatory bodies of the [local] Churches is specifically requested, especially that of the Presbyteral Council and the Pastoral Council, from which a synodal Church [can truly] begin to take shape.[4]Equally valuable will be the contribution of other ecclesial entities to which thePreparatory Document[and thisVademecum] will be sent, as well as that of those who wish to send their own contribution directly. How is the contribution of consecrated men and women integrated? 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. and how we are to pursue it. The aim is not to overwhelm dioceses and parishes, but rather to integrate the Synodal Process into the life of the local Church in creative ways that promote deepen communion, fuller participation, and a more fruitful mission. We can be tempted to forget that we are pilgrims and servants on the path marked out for us by God. Listening to the entire People of God will help the Church to make pastoral decisions that correspond as closely as possible to Gods will (ITC,Syn., 68) The ultimate perspective to orient this synodal path of the Church is to serve the dialogue of God with humanity (DV, 2) and to journey together the kingdom of God (cf. In the ceremony to commemorate the50thanniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops in October 2015, Pope Francis declared that the world in which we live, and which we are called to love and serve, even with its contradictions, demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of her mission. This call to cooperate in the mission of the Church is addressed to the entire People of God. Fostering participation leads us out of ourselves to involve others who hold different views than we do. For individual submissions to the consultation, adequate information and materials should be distributed in a timely way so that the views expressed can be included in the diocesan synthesis. "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). 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). At the same time, the Bishop can ensure that appropriate resources are set aside, including financial, logistical, technical, and personnel resources. The synthesis that each diocese will elaborate at the end of this work of listening and discernment will constitute its concrete contribution to the journey of the whole People of God. Nevertheless, fixating on the problems will only lead us to be overwhelmed, discouraged, and cynical. As stated in thePreparatory Document(no. A common trait throughout Jesus ministry is that faith always emerges when people are valued: their plea is heard, they are aided in their difficulty, their availability is appreciated, their dignity is confirmed by Gods gaze and restored within the community. With You alone to guide us, We ask the Holy Spirit to awaken the Church and equip her to bring the men and women of this age to faith in Jesus Christ. Creative means should also be found in order to involve children and youth. and how we are to pursue it. Lumen Gentium(21 November 1964), RMJOHN PAUL II, Encyclical LetterRedemptoris Missio(7 December 1990). Conversely, the Synod must be anchored in the "reality of the Holy People of God" and in "the concrete life of communities." Read more: Prayer to the Holy Spirit at the opening of a synod Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. In one sense the Holy Spirit is wholly beyond reach of man; man makes no contribution to Him or to his grasp of Him (Jn 3:8). Next, we journey together as the People of God with the entire human family. This is key to understanding the Churchs path of synodality. Ideally more than one of these synodal consultation meetings would be organized for the same group of participants so they can go deeper and dialogue more richly. It begins with a . The Church recognizes that synodality is an integral part of her very nature. forever and ever. Whatever the local circumstances the Diocesan Contact Person(s) are encouraged to focus onmaximum inclusion and participation, reaching out to involve the greatest number of people possible, andespecially those on the periphery who are often excluded and forgotten. Thus the teaching authority of the Pope and the bishops is in dialogue with thesensus fidelium, the living voice of the People of God (cf. The General Secretariat of the Synod may identify other forms of consultation of the People of God. What hinders the baptised from being active in mission? We also encourage you to integrate the theme of synodality and this Synodal Process of consultation into local or diocesan gatherings and meetings that are already planned, wherever possible. Partnershipbased on the model of a co-responsible Church. Title revised from Latin, to have a proper incipit, different from the Adsumus Dominus Sancte Spiritus. As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. If the Spirit is not present, there will be no Synod. The unfolding of the Synodal Process at a local level must also involve: Discernmentthrough listening, to create space for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 3) Thetemptation to only see problems.The challenges, difficulties, and hardships facing our world and our Church are many. Resources needed for the consultation process should be identified and made available, including an overall budget, physical facilities, and online platforms. In and from the local Churches exists the one unique Catholic Church (LG, 23). The ministry of Bishops is to be pastors, teachers, and priests of sacred worship. Each diocese, parish, or ecclesial group should not aim to cover all the questions but should discern and focus on those aspects of synodality most pertinent to its context. Indeed, God often speaks through the voices of those that we can easily exclude, cast aside, or discount. Alternatively, new groupings can be organized so that more people get to listen to and engage with a wider diversity of views and experiences. 4.1 Summary of what is envisaged in the diocesan phase. This is especially true of those who are most vulnerable or marginalized. The Second Vatican Council highlights that all human beings are called to the new people of God (LG, 13). Teach us the way we must go In this listening phase we encourage people to gather, respond to stimulus questions/images/scenarios together, listen to each other, and provide individual and group feedback, ideas, reactions, and suggestions. Rather, it is an opportunity to foster the synodal and pastoral conversion of each local Church so as to be more fruitful in mission. As the Church embarks on this synodal journey, we must strive to ground ourselves in experiences of authentic listening and discernment on the path of becoming the Church that God calls us to be. Let us find in You our unity Some examples of publicity materials are provided on the website. Together, all the baptised are the subject of thesensus fidelium, the living voice of the People of God. I/1, p. 159. Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your divine love . With You alone to guide us, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, The COVID-19 pandemic has made existing inequalities explode. Our SYNOD 2023 is centered in the Eucharist, the summit of our Christian prayer. Acts 9,2; 19,9.23; 22,4; 24,14.22). ThePreparatory Documentoutlines two images from Scripture to inspire our journey of building a synodal Church. Come, Holy Spirit! Archdiocesan Synod. In responding to this question, we are invited to: -Recall our experiences: What experiences of our local Church does this question call to mind? Based on the documents produced at the continental level, a second edition of theInstrumentum Laboriswill be elaborated for the use of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 (General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops). In this sense, priests and deacons have a crucial role to play in accompanying the entire People of God on the path of synodality. 5. Come, leading spirit and guide our discerning. The Diocesan Contact Person(s) will likely need to work with the collaboration of a core team, which can either be assembled through an open process of people expressing their interest, or by appointment of the diocesan Bishop. [3]FRANCIS,Address for the ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops(17 October 2015). How can we take the next step in walking forward with each other? How do we promote participation in decision-making within hierarchical structures? 8. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Holding synodal consultation meetings that bring together multiple parishes can be a good way of gathering a range of people from different socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, age groups, etc. oListening to each and every one:By learning from one another, we can better reflect the wonderful multi-faceted reality that Christs Church is meant to be. At the same time, priests and deacons can find new and creative ways of fostering an authenticallysynodalexperience 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. Our humble efforts of organization and coordination are at the service of God who guides us on our way. Stimulus questions are suggested in the Questionnaire below (Part 5) to initiate and facilitate this experience of sharing and listening. Amen. Appointing the Diocesan Contact Person(s). Pope Francis made this clear when he issued adirect invitation to all the People of Godto contribute to Church efforts towards healing: every one of the baptised should feel involved in the ecclesial and social change that we so greatly need. Prayer of invocation to the Holy Spirit for an ecclesial assembly of governance or discernment (thus synodal). There are many ways by which we experience forms of synodality already across the Church. The dicasteries of the Roman Curia offer their contribution, taking account of their respective particular areas of competence. so that we may journey together to eternal life 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. It is Christ who reconciles us to the Father and unites us with each other in the Holy Spirit. In this light, the objective of the current Synod is to listen, as the entire People of God, to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Church. This can take place over the course of one gathering, but we strongly encourage that several gatherings take place to allow for a more interactive atmosphere of sharing as people get to know each other, trust one another, and feel that they can speak more freely thus making it a truly synodal experience of journeying together. 2) Thetemptation tofocus on ourselves and our immediate concerns. This Synodal Process has a deep missionary dimension to it. Ideally, two co-leaders are appointed as a model of co-responsibility. The work of evangelization and the message of salvation cannot be understood without Jesus constant openness to the widest possible audience. This Synodal Process need not be seen as an overwhelming burden that competes with local pastoral care. We can build bridges beyond the walls that sometimes threaten to separate us age, gender, wealth, ability, education, etc. A date should be specified for the submission of the consultation feedback, which can follow the guidelines for the diocesan synthesis as described below. Let us find in You our unity 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. [4]FRANCIS,Address at the Ceremony Commemorating the 50thAnniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops(17 October 2015). Come, Holy Spirit! Where needed, they can also ensure a smooth transition towards the implementation of any suggestions raised during the consultation in the diocese. In expressing the Gospel in our lives, lay women and men act as a leaven in the world in which we live and work. Besides participating in local listening sessions across the diocese, the Bishop may convene ad-hoc small community gatherings of his own if he wishes to do so, inviting representatives from a cross-section of the diocese, especially those at the peripheries. Rather, the synthesis is an act of discernment in choosing and writing what will contribute to the next stage of the Synodal Process, by being sent to the diocese (in the case of consultation within the diocese) and eventually the episcopal conference (in the case of the synthesis written by the diocese). and what is right. The Synodal Process is an opportunity to open up, to look around us, to see things from other points of view, and to move out in missionary outreach to the peripheries. Ultimately, the diocesan phase involves similar ingredients as the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, such as the one that will occur in Rome in October 2023. Sugerencias para reflexionar, compartir y responder a las preguntas del Snodo What are some limitations in our ability to listen, especially to those who have different views than our own? 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). God is truly at work in the entire people that he has gathered together. The Holy Spirit works through all the generations of disciples who hear Gods Word and put it into practice. and how we are to pursue it. Synodality is not a corporate strategic exercise. Synodal dialogue depends on courage both in speaking and in listening. 4.5 The Basic Ingredients of the Synodal Experience. Teach us the way we must go This is the logo for Pope Francis' visit to Mongolia and its capital, Ulaanbaatar. [2]FRANCIS,Letter to the People of God(20 August 2018). This kind of discernment is not only a one-time exercise, but ultimately a way of life, grounded in Christ, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, living for the greater glory of God. These could include parish-level meetings, inter-parish gatherings, school-based groups, local associations, online platforms, special language groupings, and suitable means of reaching those who have been distant from the 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. Teach us the way we must go (CNS photo/Paul Haring) How does the relationship with the local media work (not only Catholic media)? I'm grateful to everyone and will rely on your prayers, as the Synod listens to the voice of the Holy Spirit." No one Synodal Process is going to resolve all our concerns and problems. The role and responsibilities of the Diocesan Contact Person(s)/Team, b. As You guide us, Make Yourself at home in our hearts. We can miss the light if we focus only on the darkness. By "tongues" they usually mean language that is unintelligible to others and, perhaps, even them. Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayerAdsumus 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). so that we may journey together to eternal life Since we are all missionary disciples, how is every baptised person called to participate in the mission of the Church? How can we foster a more synodal approach in our participation and leadership? 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). There is a dynamic relationship between the three that must be articulated with all three in mind. The Synodal Process will naturally call for a renewal of structures at various levels of the Church, in order to foster deeper communion, fuller participation, and more fruitful mission. Dialogue involves coming together across diverse opinions. The leader concludes the silence with the following prayer. It is strongly recommended that the consultation process in the diocese culminate in a Diocesan Pre-Synodal Meeting that includes a liturgical celebration. Equally, it refers to the Lord Jesus, who presents Himself as the way, the truth and the life (Jn 14,6), and to the fact that Christians, His followers, were originally called followers of the Way (cf. How are evaluations conducted and by whom? For the Synod 2021-2023, we propose to use this simplified version, so that any group or liturgical assembly can pray more easily. Some examples of activities that can be done together include a pilgrimage, social or charitable outreach, or simply sharing a meal with each other. All this we ask of You, With her, we say together as the People of God:Let it be with me according to your word(Luke 1:38). Under the authority of the Bishop, the Diocesan Contact Person(s) can communicate directly with the coordinators in parishes and other local communities to prepare and facilitate the consultation process. Rather it is a spiritual process that is led by the Holy Spirit. Synodality ought to be expressed in the Churchs ordinary way of living and working. We encourage you to take useful ideas from this guide, but also to have your own local circumstances as your starting point. We are signs of a Church that listens and journeys: By listening, the Church follows the example of God himself, who listens to the cry of his people. [5]FRANCIS,Address at the Ceremony Commemorating the 50thAnniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops(17 October 2015). ThisVademecumis designed as a handbook that accompanies thePreparatory Documentat the service of the synodal journey. The Spirit came in power upon Israel's judges and kings, equipping and strengthening them to accomplish great feats and victories for God and His people (Judges 6:34; 14:6; 1 Sam. Every session of the Second Vatican Council began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, We stand before You, Holy Spirit, which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 4 April 636). Taking part in physical, cultural, social, and charitable activities can contribute to building communion among the participants, renewing the Church through new experiences of fraternity with one another. Listening to those who have the same views as we do bears no fruit. Much of the richness of this listening phase will come from discussions among parishes, lay movements, schools and universities, religious congregations, neighbourhood Christian communities, social action, ecumenical and inter-religious movements, and other groups. It can be very helpful to share a common activity before starting to meet and dialogue with one another. This Synod poses the following fundamental question:A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, journeys together. How is this journeying together happening today in your local Church? We are called to be beacons of hope, not prophets of doom. The consultation of the People of God takes place in the particular Churches, through the Synods of Bishops of the Patriarchal Churches and the Major Archbishoprics, the Councils of Hierarchs and the Assemblies of Hierarchs of the Churchessui iurisand through the Episcopal Conferences.
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