Synod (2021-2024)
The October 2023 "Synod on Synodality" in Rome
“The Synod on Synodality,” will run from October 4 – 29, 2023 in Rome. This is the first Synod in anybody’s memory that solicited the input of the global laity, and will include voting women and laity for the first time. Pope Francis’ vision is that it will promote a new experience of the Church in which there is much more listening and dialogue.
So, what does “Synodality” mean? Synodality (pronounced sin-oh-DAL- ity) comes from the Greek word to “journey together.” It sees the Holy Spirit as guiding our journey together. It refers to a way of “being Church” where listening, both to the Holy Spirit and to each other, is the normal “characteristic” of being a Catholic, whether lay or ordained.
The document guiding the Synod discussion is the IL (Instrumentum Laboris), which can be viewed here: https://www.synod.va/content/dam/s ynod/common/phases/universal-stage/il/ENG_INSTRUMENTUM-LABORIS.pdf
Read more about the October 2023 Synod here
Parish Assessment and Synod (2021-2024) Results
What is the Synod?
This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission. Our “journeying together” is, in fact, what most effectively enacts and manifests the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God. ( Vatican Synod Preparatory Document, 2)
What is the Parish Assessment?
In June 2022, we conducted a parish assessment covering the areas of Worship, Evangelization, Formation/Education, and Service/Social Justice within our church community. This information was gathered in three ways: one in-pew assessment for each area over four weeks, a complete assessment mailed to each parishioner, and a complete on-line assessment. With all this information tabulated, the Assessment Team reviewed all the data and determined those areas that are Strengths of our parish, Opportunities for Improvement, and Opportunities to Reach the Marginalized.
