Synod Question

In preparing for our parish synod listening session, we ask that you begin reflecting on your experiences of the Church.  Below is the main question broken into 3 parts. Pope Francis is asking that we begin answering these questions in order to better understand how the Holy Spirit is guiding us in the life and mission of the Church in our times. The process the Pope is inviting us to use is called synodality (listening & journeying together). Synodality has its origins in the early Church, and Pope Francis is asking everyone to participate because the Holy Spirit speaks to all of us. We invite you to share this question with others and invite them to the listening session so we may encounter each other and all voices may be heard.    

In scripture Jesus shows us how He encountered, and accompanied others by listening to them, and therefore helping them discern the path to follow.

On the 2nd page of this document there is list of 10 key elements of synodality. As we imagine a synodal Church, that Encounters, Listens and Discerns you may answer the following questions through the lens of these10 themes. Your answers will be part of the summary we send to the Archdiocese that will be combined with other diocesan summaries, and sent to the US Catholic bishops and eventually the Vatican. It is there that further discernment and the fruits of the work of the Holy Spirit will come forth. Let us pray for the success of the synod and be open and surprised by God!

If you have questions please email them to stmatthew@archbalt.org Thank you.

The Ten Key Elements of Synodality - from Synod Handbook

 

1.       Being companions to each other on the journey --- with everyone, not just a chosen few

 

2.       Listening to the Spirit and each other --- with an open mind and heart, without preconceived ideas

 

3.       Speaking out --- with courage and parrhesia, that is, with freedom, truth and charity

 

4.       Celebrating together --- How does our liturgy inspire and guide our life and mission in our families, neighborhoods and the world.

 

5.       Sharing responsibility for our common mission – How do we live our mission in serving society in various ways (social, political, scientific, education, environmental, human rights, etc.)?

 

6.       Joining dialogue in Church and in wider society – how do we promote collaboration?

 

7.       Participating in ecumenism – What do we share in common with other faiths?

 

8.       Each claiming their proper authority and participation – recognizing our co-responsibility as laity with clergy

 

9.       Being part of discerning and deciding – What are the methods and processes we use in decision making

 

10.   Forming ourselves in synodality – conversion of hearts and attitudes so we live as a “listening” Church that “journeys together”.