SYNOD 2021 2023: for a synodal church
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AN UPDATE FROM FR. MARK ON THE SYNOD
May 29, 2022 As you may remember, in March of this year we participated in the Synod on Synodality which the Holy Father began as a consultative process for every Catholic (and non-Catholic) in the world. Through in-person listening sessions and on-line surveys, we invited everyone in the parish to consider what issues the Roman Catholic Church in the world should be looking at, what direction it should consider for its future, and to share with us their prayerful thoughts. More than 11,000 people in the Diocese of Oakland participated. Thank you to the 438 members of our community who took time to respond to the Synod. Rest assured, every word you wrote was read more than once. Out of all your responses, we as a parish were to provide a one-page abstract or summary to the diocese. Our diocese, in turn, has summed up the reports from all the parishes of the diocese. The diocesan report will be sent to the Vatican. The Vatican will take the reports from every diocese in the world and put together a document scheduled to be completed in the Fall of 2023. I am happy to share with you the one-page summary report from our parish. Obviously, not every thought or insight from 438 individuals could be included. However, I am confident that, overall, we captured in abstract form the essence of what was shared with us. Again, thank you for your participation and insight in the Synod. What are some things you are facing in life right now that you hope the Church will accompany you in?
How do you see yourself sharing in the Church work of being Christ’s life and love for the whole world?
What are the joys in carrying out our journeying together? What helps or hinders us in this?
How and where is the Holy Spirit calling us to grow in journeying with one another?
General Comments
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What is the Synod on Synodality?
Pope Francis will invite bishops from across the world to Rome in October 2023 for the Synod on Synodality, to discern ways to engage more people in the decision-making processes that affect the whole Church. The theme is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Leading up to this gathering, local dioceses will consult with local Catholics and others to create a report to submit to their national bishops’ conference, which will then contribute to a report to be presented to Pope Francis. |
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What is a Synod?
The words "synod" and "synodality" have three main uses in the Church:
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What Is The Synod All About?
The Synod is a listening and sharing opportunity for the Diocese of Oakland that seeks to discern how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to move forward. This initiative is part of a global consultation process led by Pope Francis known as the Synod on Synodality.
Our diocesan process is centered around prayer and reflection, rooted in the encounter with Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures and the liturgical life of the Church, and inspired by an openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to hear the Spirit speaking to us
The Synod is a listening and sharing opportunity for the Diocese of Oakland that seeks to discern how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to move forward. This initiative is part of a global consultation process led by Pope Francis known as the Synod on Synodality.
Our diocesan process is centered around prayer and reflection, rooted in the encounter with Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures and the liturgical life of the Church, and inspired by an openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit, which enables us to hear the Spirit speaking to us
Is This New?
The entire history of the Catholic Church shows us a Church that journeys together. Jesus Christ walked with his apostles and disciples from town to town. The early Christian community gathered together for prayer, worship and consultation.
The Second Vatican Council reinvigorated synodal processes in the Church, for example, by establishing the Synod of Bishops. While the Synod on Synodality will culminate in Rome in October 2023 with a gathering mostly of bishops from across the world, recent synods have encouraged bishops to seek input from their local Church. The process for this synod is new in commissioning a more intentional process of at the local (diocesan) level.
The entire history of the Catholic Church shows us a Church that journeys together. Jesus Christ walked with his apostles and disciples from town to town. The early Christian community gathered together for prayer, worship and consultation.
The Second Vatican Council reinvigorated synodal processes in the Church, for example, by establishing the Synod of Bishops. While the Synod on Synodality will culminate in Rome in October 2023 with a gathering mostly of bishops from across the world, recent synods have encouraged bishops to seek input from their local Church. The process for this synod is new in commissioning a more intentional process of at the local (diocesan) level.
Why Now?
Pope Francis is reading the signs of the times and is seeking to develop “synodality” as a tool for the bishops in their role of governing the Church. In a world hurting from a pandemic, extreme weather conditions, massive migration, poverty, violence and moral relativism, the Church is asking us to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis has called this moment in human history “a time of reckoning.” The themes from the Synod on Synodality can help us to understand why now is the right time to consider synodality more deeply:
The synodal process is a pilgrimage of the whole People of God in discerning the way forward for the Church, locally and worldwide, at this moment in time. Anyone who has been on a pilgrimage knows that the journey there is not just travelling, but an integral part of the whole. The culmination of the synodal process in 2023 will be an important moment in the pilgrimage but not an end point.
Pope Francis is reading the signs of the times and is seeking to develop “synodality” as a tool for the bishops in their role of governing the Church. In a world hurting from a pandemic, extreme weather conditions, massive migration, poverty, violence and moral relativism, the Church is asking us to “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7) and pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis has called this moment in human history “a time of reckoning.” The themes from the Synod on Synodality can help us to understand why now is the right time to consider synodality more deeply:
- Communion – Amidst so much suffering and isolation, we see clearly that we must come together as communities in the local Church. In prayerful communion, we gain insight into the ways of the Holy Spirit. When the Church gathers for the Eucharist, the mission of the Church is best understood. Thus, the life of the ecclesial communities and parishes, the importance of which we recognize now more than ever, roots and orients our practice of synodality and propels us forward.
- Participation – This moment in which the Church responds to the global pandemic calls for the Church to look forward, not backwards, and to revitalize its mission of bringing the Good News to all. To undertake this mission, all the local Churches (dioceses) must reflect on the insights that the Holy Spirit has given to their faithful. The gentle call of invitation to the full practice of Catholic life, with the Eucharist at the center of all the Church does, is an integral part of this “walking together.”
- Mission – By reading the signs of the times and listening to what the Holy Spirit has spoken in the hearts of the faithful, dioceses will gain a deeper understanding of the mission entrusted to each of them. Like a mosaic, the vision for each diocese is formed through attention to the needs of the faithful, to the need for renewal, and to the life of the local community who gathers in response to the gentle invitation of the Lord to worship Him, to be sanctified by Him, and to speak, individually and collectively, with the prophetic voice of His Holy Spirit.
The synodal process is a pilgrimage of the whole People of God in discerning the way forward for the Church, locally and worldwide, at this moment in time. Anyone who has been on a pilgrimage knows that the journey there is not just travelling, but an integral part of the whole. The culmination of the synodal process in 2023 will be an important moment in the pilgrimage but not an end point.
What Difference Will It Make?
By listening to Catholics, non-Catholics and even people with no faith, Pope Francis and bishops from across the world are hoping to revitalize the Church at a critical time in human history. The fruit of this process will be a Spirit-inspired vision for the future of the Church, and the process itself should serve as a prophetic witness to the human family and as encouragement to unite around a common goal.
By listening to Catholics, non-Catholics and even people with no faith, Pope Francis and bishops from across the world are hoping to revitalize the Church at a critical time in human history. The fruit of this process will be a Spirit-inspired vision for the future of the Church, and the process itself should serve as a prophetic witness to the human family and as encouragement to unite around a common goal.
How Will The Synod Involve Me And The Parish?
A Letter From Fr. Mark
I am sure you remember that last October the Diocese of Oakland began the “Mission Alignment Process” (MAP). A key element of the MAP process was a survey that every member of the Diocese was invited to complete. Overall, the Diocese had a 37% participation in the survey. This is considered to be a very good rate of participation. Here at CCOP we had a 72% participation. The results of the survey will be shared with the priests and pastors of the Diocese at a meeting the Bishop has called on March 17, 2022. I am eager to receive our parish results and begin to consider what “next steps” might be for us as a community. There will be more information about the MAP process and results in the months ahead. In the meantime….
Pope Francis is planning to invite bishops from across the world to Rome in October 2023 for what is being called the “Synod on Synodality,” This Synod will seek to discern ways to engage more people in the decision-making processes that affect the whole Church. The theme is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Leading up to this gathering, local dioceses have been asked to consult with local Catholics and others to create a report to submit to their national bishops’ conference, which will then contribute to a report to be presented to Pope Francis.
The MAP process is a Diocesan effort, initiated by our Bishop, for our Diocese. The “Synod on Synodality” has been initiated by Pope Francis, for the Church throughout the world. Just as our Bishop sought our input through a survey, so is Pope Francis seeking our input. Rather than use a survey, the Holy Father has asked all parishes to have listening sessions.
These sessions are to be a listening and sharing opportunity for the Church that seeks to discern how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to move forward on our journey together. This initiative is part of a global consultation process and will produce reports for the 2023 Bishops meetings. Through prayer and reflection, rooted in the encounter with Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures and the liturgical life of the Church, and inspired by an openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to hear the Spirit speaking to us.
Here at CCOP we are in the process of planning listening session to be held in the first two weeks of March. We have been given a deadline to have our report ready to submit to our Diocese by March 31, 2022. In addition to public listening sessions, we will be asking existing groups (such as our Small Faith Sharing groups, Confirmation classes, Knights of Columbus and other regularly meeting groups) to use one of their times together as a listening session. This should help us maximize the number of people able to participate in the process. The process also hopes to involve non-Catholics, as well as inactive Catholics and those who have left the church.
There will be much more information coming very soon including dates for our listening sessions, as well as information for our groups and ministries on how to hold a listening session. In the meantime, I would like to share with you the four primary questions we have been asked to consider in our listening sessions so that you can carry them into prayer and consider the answer the Spirit would have you share.
The main question we are asking as eloquently summarized by Bishop Barber is: How can the Catholic Church & The Diocese of Oakland better proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in today’s world?
Peacefully,
Fr. Mark
A Letter From Fr. Mark
I am sure you remember that last October the Diocese of Oakland began the “Mission Alignment Process” (MAP). A key element of the MAP process was a survey that every member of the Diocese was invited to complete. Overall, the Diocese had a 37% participation in the survey. This is considered to be a very good rate of participation. Here at CCOP we had a 72% participation. The results of the survey will be shared with the priests and pastors of the Diocese at a meeting the Bishop has called on March 17, 2022. I am eager to receive our parish results and begin to consider what “next steps” might be for us as a community. There will be more information about the MAP process and results in the months ahead. In the meantime….
Pope Francis is planning to invite bishops from across the world to Rome in October 2023 for what is being called the “Synod on Synodality,” This Synod will seek to discern ways to engage more people in the decision-making processes that affect the whole Church. The theme is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Leading up to this gathering, local dioceses have been asked to consult with local Catholics and others to create a report to submit to their national bishops’ conference, which will then contribute to a report to be presented to Pope Francis.
The MAP process is a Diocesan effort, initiated by our Bishop, for our Diocese. The “Synod on Synodality” has been initiated by Pope Francis, for the Church throughout the world. Just as our Bishop sought our input through a survey, so is Pope Francis seeking our input. Rather than use a survey, the Holy Father has asked all parishes to have listening sessions.
These sessions are to be a listening and sharing opportunity for the Church that seeks to discern how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to move forward on our journey together. This initiative is part of a global consultation process and will produce reports for the 2023 Bishops meetings. Through prayer and reflection, rooted in the encounter with Jesus in the Sacred Scriptures and the liturgical life of the Church, and inspired by an openness to the movement of the Holy Spirit, we will seek to hear the Spirit speaking to us.
Here at CCOP we are in the process of planning listening session to be held in the first two weeks of March. We have been given a deadline to have our report ready to submit to our Diocese by March 31, 2022. In addition to public listening sessions, we will be asking existing groups (such as our Small Faith Sharing groups, Confirmation classes, Knights of Columbus and other regularly meeting groups) to use one of their times together as a listening session. This should help us maximize the number of people able to participate in the process. The process also hopes to involve non-Catholics, as well as inactive Catholics and those who have left the church.
There will be much more information coming very soon including dates for our listening sessions, as well as information for our groups and ministries on how to hold a listening session. In the meantime, I would like to share with you the four primary questions we have been asked to consider in our listening sessions so that you can carry them into prayer and consider the answer the Spirit would have you share.
- What are some things you are facing in life right now that you hope the Church will accompany you in?
- How do you see yourself sharing in the Church work of being Christ’s life and love for the whole world?
- What are the joys in carrying out our journey together? What helps or hinders us in this?
- How and where is the Holy Spirit calling us to grow in journeying with one another?
The main question we are asking as eloquently summarized by Bishop Barber is: How can the Catholic Church & The Diocese of Oakland better proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in today’s world?
Peacefully,
Fr. Mark
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The One Main Question Of The Synod
A Video From Bishop Barber |
Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus
Prayer of invocation to the Holy Spirit for an ecclesial assembly of governance or discernment (thus synodal)
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
o that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer of invocation to the Holy Spirit for an ecclesial assembly of governance or discernment (thus synodal)
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
o that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.