Synod 2021 - 2023
For a synodal Church
communion | participation | mission
Introduction
In October 2023 the bishops of the Church will come together in Synod. The path toward this Synod, ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’, begins in October this year, 2021, in a worldwide invitation to all the faithful. Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to ‘reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission’, the path of synodality.
Synod on Synodality
All you need to know
‘Synod’ is a word used over the centuries, whose meaning draws on the deepest themes of our faith. It comes from two Greek words: ‘συν’ (with) and ‘όδός’ (path),
it indicates the path along which the People of God walk together.’
‘Synodality’ is the process of ‘journeying together’.
Pope Francis has affirmed that: “A synodal Church is a Church which listens…The faithful People, the College of Bishops, the Bishop of Rome: all listening to each other; and all listening to the Holy Spirit.”
“The purpose of this 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).
Thus the objective of this synodal process is not only a series of exercises that start and stop, but rather a journey of growing authentically towards the communion and mission that God calls the Church to live out in the third millennium.” (Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality 1.3)
The Synod:
Sharing your insights
Pastoral Community Consultations
‘One listening to the others; and all listening to the Holy Spirit.’
There is a real benefit in shared prayerful discernment. In order to journey together, Pope Francis wants every person to take their place at the heart of the Church and to hear every voice. To help us in discerning the voice of the Lord, local parishes can come together, pray with the Word of God, and work through some questions about communion, participation and mission of the Church in your area.
As we listen attentively to what the Holy Spirit is saying, we learn how to respond to where he is leading us in mission. We gain a new insight into how to apply the teaching of the Church into the context in which the Lord has planted us.
We listen to each other in order to discern what God is saying to all of us. This kind of discernment is not only a one-time event, but ultimately a way of life, grounded in Christ, following the lead of the Holy Spirit, living for the greater glory of God. Communal discernment helps to build flourishing and resilient communities for the mission of the Church today. Discernment is a grace from God, but it requires our human involvement in simple ways: praying, reflection, paying attention to one’s inner disposition, listening and talking to one another in an authentic, meaningful, and welcoming way. Discernment, in this spiritual key, plants seeds that can bear the fruits of fraternity, healing, communion, mission, and more. God comes to lead and inspire us as we seek to discern His will.
Look out for your local Pastoral Community discernment events in Parish Bulletins and once dates have been confirmed we will update them here too.
local Pastoral Community discernment events
Coleraine Parish Centre.
Mon 21st March 7-9pm
Facilitated by: Paula McKeown & Joseph McGowan
Sacred Heart Parish Centre, Belfast.
Tues 29th March 7 – 9 pm
Facilitated by: Paula McKeown & Gerry Clarke SJ
Lisburn Parish Centre.
Wed 30th March 7pm – 9pm
Facilitated by Paula McKeown & John Steen
St Colmcille’s Parish Centre, Ballyhackimore
Thursday 31st 7pm – 9pm
Facilitated by Jim Deeds & Catherine McCoy
St James’ Parish Centre, Whiteabbey
Mon 4th April 7pm – 9pm Jim
Facilitated by Deeds & Catherine McCoy
Newtownards Parish Centre
Wednesday 6th April 7pm – 9pm
Facilitated by Jim Deeds & Siobhan Cox Peninsula
More venues and dates coming soon.
Listening to the
Margins
Listening to the margins
It is clear that this must be a moment of listening to everyone. As well as listening to people who come to Church we are being urged to go out and listen to the voices of individuals and groups who we do not often hear or who might have had difficult experiences of the Church. We must listen to and learn from them. It is also clear that the Synod must not be seen as the only time we listen in this way; indeed it is to be seen as only a start.
In order to make that start, a small team of listeners will use the time over Lent to make contact with those who we often identify as on the margins but who, in truth and humility, may not be so much on the margins of society as the Church is. Meeting quietly and in confidence, these groups will add their voices to the Synodal listening this Lent and their contributions will be submitted to the Diocesan Synodal Team.
Synodal
Moments
Sunday Stroll
The word synod draws its meaning from two Greek words, which when put together imply ‘journeying’ or ‘walking’ together. What better way to approach our Synodal moments than with a good dander! In the beauty of creation we will undertake a series of listening events where we walk along together, listening to people about their experiences, concerns and hopes for the Church. There will be a chance for a coffee on the route. The experience will be captured in photo and as a narrative from those who listened.
Sunday 27th March 3pm – Quoile River
Sunday 3rd April 3pm - Divis
Sunday 10th April 3pm – Whiterocks Beach
Youth
Consultation
Everyone's opinion matters
Youth Consultation
The Diocese is currently developing its strategy for youth ministry. A strategy for youth must begin with young people. The synod allows us to take the time to hear from young people informing both the synodal process and our strategy for youth. One of the most recent synods that took place in the Church was a synod on youth. After that synod came a document called ‘Christus Vivit’ - Christ is Alive. Guided by ‘Christ is Alive’ we will have youth consultations engaging with school pupils, students and members of parish youth groups and centres. If you want to know more e-mail synod@downandconnor.org
