Synodal Process 2021-23
What is the Synodal Process?
Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have gathered together to pray, to listen to one another, and to discern what God is asking of us. The Greek word 'synod' means an 'assembly' or 'meeting'.
Since the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s, there have been regular Synods of Bishops when representatives of the Church around the world have gathered, usually in Rome, to discuss a particular topic.
Pope Francis has convened a Synof of Bishops to take place in 2023. The title of the Synod is "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission".
Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have gathered together to pray, to listen to one another, and to discern what God is asking of us. The Greek word 'synod' means an 'assembly' or 'meeting'.
Since the Second Vatican Council of the 1960s, there have been regular Synods of Bishops when representatives of the Church around the world have gathered, usually in Rome, to discuss a particular topic.
Pope Francis has convened a Synof of Bishops to take place in 2023. The title of the Synod is "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission".
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What makes the 2023 Synod special is that the Holy Father wants every Christian and person of good will to be able to take part, not only bishops. Pope Francis has said that 'Synodality' (coming together to listen and discern God's will) is essential for the Church, and we need to develop this culture of dialogue and shared responsibility.
Every diocese around the world is being encouraged to engage in a process of 'journeying together'. Within each diocese, parishes and particular ministries are being asked to gather together for prayer and mutual listening. |
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Here in the Diocese of Middlesbrough, each parish and ministry will submit a summary of key points that have emerged during the listening process. This will be sent to the coordinating committee of the Diocese, who in turn will compile a report. This report will be received by the coordinating committee of the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, who will submit their summary to the Synod of Bishops.
What is happening in our parish?
Here at Our Lady's, the parish listening process begins in January 2022.
Here at Our Lady's, the parish listening process begins in January 2022.
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There will be a meeting in the Father Kelly Room for 6-8 people each time in a series of gatherings after each Mass on the following Sundays:
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We have now begun to introduce the principle of Listening to peoples' experience in Faith and invite anyone interested to email us at [email protected] to confirm there is space at a Listening Group after one of our Sunday Masses. We will confirm your space and will look forward to seeing you.
In the Listening Group, each person will have a few minutes to speak about their journey in faith, good or bad, ups and downs, regrets or joys, hopes or fears. When speaking, you will not be interrupted. When everyone has spoken, we will have a moment of quiet before each will then have the opportunity to reflect on the impact of what others have said. We're not debating or correcting anyone - we're listening.
From these exchanges we will find the message emerging for our parish response to the Diocese in March.
If you have any questions or want further information at any point you can email:
[email protected]
In the Listening Group, each person will have a few minutes to speak about their journey in faith, good or bad, ups and downs, regrets or joys, hopes or fears. When speaking, you will not be interrupted. When everyone has spoken, we will have a moment of quiet before each will then have the opportunity to reflect on the impact of what others have said. We're not debating or correcting anyone - we're listening.
From these exchanges we will find the message emerging for our parish response to the Diocese in March.
If you have any questions or want further information at any point you can email:
[email protected]
National (England & Wales)
Diocese of Middlesbrough
Other
Diocese of Middlesbrough
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