For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission
What is Synodality?
Synodality is the path and process of the Church in which all the baptized listen to each other, dialoguing with each other and praying together to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit. In creating the opportunity for listening and dialogue on the local level, Pope Francis is calling the Church to rediscover its deeply synodal nature.
The practice of living as a synodal Church involves communion, participation and mission. Through synodality, the People of God talk to one another about things that matter, even when their opinions differ. This attentive, respectful listening and conversation opens the path to personal transformation and the deepening sense of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. A new sense of one’s place in the Church begins to take hold. Excitement and joy are felt as one’s baptismal call to evangelize and proclaim the Gospel is given a new importance.
Across the diocese, beginning in February 2021, parishes will be hosting what the Diocesan Synod Organizing Committee is naming Listening Sessions. Whether in-person or using virtual platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, small groups will gather and, with the help of a trained facilitator, will pray together and discuss several common questions in a focused and reflective way.
Together, through this synodal process, matters of faith and modern challenges can be discerned, allowing the Church to grow in its mission for the third millennium.