Embracing Synodality: Communion, Participation, and Mission
Exploring the concept of synodality within the Church, this presentation delves into the background and significance of the Synod on Synodality. It highlights the call for active involvement and cooperation of all members of the Church in its mission, emphasizing the importance of listening to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The journey towards becoming a synodal Church is a collective effort to proclaim the Gospel effectively and grow in unity.
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Presentation Transcript
For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission Deanery Presentation
Plan for today Background on Global Synod Process here in the Archdiocese of Atlanta 3
The Synod on Synodality Brief Background
Synod on Synodality background Pope Francis s Address in 2015: The world in which we live demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of her mission. It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.
Synod on Synodality background International Theological Commission (2018) Synodality is at the heart of the work of renewal the [Second Vatican] Council was encouraging. The concept of synodality refers to the involvement and participation of the whole People of God in the life and mission of the Church
Synod on Synodality background International Theological Commission (2018) Synodality means that the whole Church is a subject and that everyone in the Church is a subject [i.e., agent of evangelization, co- responsible for the mission of the Church].
Synod on Synodality background Preparatory Document (2021) A basic question prompts and guides us: How does this journeying together, which takes place today on different levels (from the local level to the universal one), allow the Church to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the mission entrusted to Her; and what steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church?
Synod on Synodality background Vademecum (2021) . 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.
Synod on Synodality background Vademecum (2021) 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 Church s mission in the world.
Synod on Synodality background In other words (from Preparatory Document) The purpose of this Synod, and therefore of this consultation, is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophesies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands.
Synod on Synodality background WHY? Various reasons, but all revolving around: For the sake of the mission Consider: Has the Church at large lost an understanding of her mission, its urgency, and her utterly unique role in the world? (Fr. John Riccardo commenting on the rationale for the Synod)
Process in the Archdiocese of Atlanta
What has been done to date? Launch: Opening Mass, Website, Prayer cards, Memos to priests, and Letter to the Faithful Archdiocesan Synod Timeline Local Consultation Packets (available soon) Toolkit for Parishes/Groups Facilitator s Guide Participant s Guide Archdiocesan Synod Team Core Team 2x per week meetings as needed Outreach Team 3x during Archdiocesan phase and 2x per year after 14
Archdiocesan Phase Timeline Diocesan Report Preparing People of God Consultations with the People of God 6/30 Report to USCCB due 3/31 Local Reports to Archdiocese 11/28 Consultation Phase Begins 1/18-25 Week of Christian Unity 6/17-18 Eucharistic Congress 12/25 Christmas 10/17 Launch 3/2 Ash Wednesday 4/17 Easter 6/5 Pentecost October November December January February March April May June Local Consultations Pre-Synod Meeting Regional Listening Sessions 10 Deaneries, Deacons/Religious, Priests, Chancery Preaching, Catechesis, and Prayer Survey
Consultation Process Local Level Local Group Consultation Local Groups or entities include: Parishes/Missions Catholic Schools Campus Ministries Outreach Members Ministries & Organizations Open Invitation to groups that reach beyond one parish/school/entity Toolkit providing detailed options and guides for discerning local process Recommended Method Local Prayer & Listening Sessions that are adaptable based on local needs/circumstances English, Spanish, Vietnamese, & French/Creole available soon Single 2-3 page report per entity/channel Online Survey open to all, complement to listening sessions 16
Suggested Synod Questions for Local Prayer & Listening Sessions The Fundamental Question Key Themes and Supporting Questions Listening & Discernment Co-Responsibility & Participation Prayer & Celebration Open ended: Listening to the Holy Spirit for primary takeaway Flexible option to substitute questions and themes based on community circumstances. 17
Consultation Process Regional Level Regional Prayer & Listening Sessions In-person for two hours 10 Deanery 1-2 representatives from each parish 1-2 representatives from Campus Ministries, Catholic Schools, Outreach Member Organizations Inviting other participants as well 3-4 target audience: Deacons/Religious Priests (1 or 2 options) Chancery Staff Agenda and Questions TBD Professional facilitators - reaching out through Deacons to start Archbishop Hartmayer plans to participate in all sessions 18
Role of Pastors/Priests Toolkit will be available by mid-December Lead community in preparation through preaching, catechesis & prayer starting now Discern & lead community consultation process in your parish/ministry/office between 11/28 & 3/31 Local prayer & listening sessions to answer synod questions Send 1-2 representatives to attend a Regional Listening Session Submit single Local Report per community by March 31 Invited to attend a Priest Listening Session (Date TBD)
Toolkit Homily Helps and Prayers of the Faithful Prayer & Listening Sessions Adaptable and flexible to your local context Checklists to plan sessions Facilitator s Guides with full scripts for two Prayer & Listening Session formats Preselected Questions that can be substituted for any topics that work for your community Participant s Guides to help set expectations English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and French Creole will be released after Thanksgiving: archatl.com/synod
