The role of the bishop in the synodal process
Letter of Cardinals Grech and Hollerich to the Bishops of the World
Vatican City, 30 January 2023
On the eve of the celebration of the Continental Assemblies, it is with a letter addressed to all the eparchial bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches and diocesan bishops around the world that the Secretary General of the Synod, Cardinal Mario Grech, and the General Relator of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, address the topic of the bishop’s role in the ongoing synodal process.
Recalling the process-oriented nature of the Synod on Synodality convened by Pope Francis, the two cardinals recall the responsibility of Pastors, “the principle and foundation of unity of the holy People of God” (LG 23), with respect to the synodal process.
In fact, write the two cardinals, “there is no exercise of ecclesial synodality without the exercise of episcopal collegiality,” testifying to how these two ‘dimensions’ of the Church’s life are not in opposition, but that one cannot exist without the other.
To avoid any misunderstanding, the letter then strongly reiterates the primary theme – that of synodality – chosen by Pope Francis for the work of the synodal assembly of bishops next October. “There are in fact some who presume to already know what the conclusions of the Synodal Assembly will be. Others would like to impose an agenda on the Synod, with the intention of steering the discussion and determining its outcome. However, the theme that the Pope has assigned to the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is clear: ‘For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, mission’. This is therefore the sole theme that we are called to explore in each of the stages within the process. The expectations for Synod 2021-2024 are many and varied, but it is not the task of the Assembly to address all the issues being debated in the Church”.
On the eve of the continental Synod Assemblies, the letter then dwells on the primary goal of these assemblies: to grow in the synodal style of being Church. “The more we grow in a synodal style of Church, the more all of us as members of the People of God — faithful and Pastors — will learn to feel cum Ecclesia, in fidelity to the Word of God and Tradition. Besides, how could we address pointed questions, often divisive, without first answering the great question that has been challenging the Church since the Second Vatican Council: “Church, what do you say of yourself?”.
| Registration now open for the Multilingual Course on Synodality promoted by the Evangelii Gaudium Centre It is with a first introductory lecture entrusted to Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, on 17 January 2023 that the multilingual course on synodality promoted by the Evangelii Gaudium Centre of the Sophia University Institute will begin. The course, realised in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod, will consist of four stages: three academic modules and a residential meeting. They will deal with topics related to the synodal process: what is synodality? Is it in line with what is expressed in the Magisterium of the Church and Canon Law? How is it possible to live it in the Church? Addressed to the entire People of God (from bishops to pastoral workers, from priests to consecrated men and women, from seminarians to lay people), the course aims to offer a wide-ranging theological and pastoral preparation with the objective of providing the Christian community with a model for the communal exercise of Christian thinking and acting. The lectures will be held on the ZOOM platform. It is possible to register for the entire course or for a single module. The lessons will be held in Italian, with simultaneous translation into Spanish, Portuguese and English. The course is also aimed at members of the same community (parish, association, friends,..) who will thus be able to gain direct experience of the method of listening, dialogue and discernment at the basis of the Synodal Church. For information and registration contact: ceg@sophiauniversity.org https://www.sophiauniversity.org/it/centro-evangelii-gaudium Registration Those who intend to register for the entire course must do so by 15 January 2023. Those wishing to follow one or more modules, on the other hand, have a deadline of: 4 February for the 1st Module;4 March for the 2nd Module;6 May for the 3rd Module.Links to register: https://forms.gle/xb1SmD5mYW3zTo1A6 FLYER in ENG – ESP – ITA – POR |
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National Synthesis
Monday, June 27th, 2022 @ 3:05 pm
The National Synthesis – reflects on Synod reports received by the national synthesis team, discerning the main themes that have emerged from the listening conversations, and collating them together to give a picture of the synodal process in England and Wales.
It’s a free online program aimed at all continents in order to train more than 100,000 people of all nationalities.
Enrollments will be open for the month of JUNE. The online course starts on JULY 4 and has the possibility to do it in Spanish, English, Italian, Portuguese or French.
Find more information or sign up at: https://formaciononline.bc.edu/es/register-home/
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BIBLICAL RESOURCES
“The Synodal process in our parish was truly a joy to be part of. Very many new friendships and connections have been formed across the Parish as a result. There was a great hunger among people to meet, talk and share their views (or Encounter, Listen and Discern). There is renewed energy to heal our parish after Covid and multiple plans for Synod Action Groups to look at how we can be better at welcoming people, including young people, looking after the elderly and the sick, and improving our music. Ideas range from an annual Parish Picnic to a new prayer group for men, to Pilgrimages and special celebrations. The Synod has been wonderful for our parish and has brought many people together.”
Janet Obeney-Williams, Farm Street Parish, London
Pope Francis speaks to LGBT Catholics in new letter: God ‘does not disown any of his children.’
Please click DOWNLOAD below to read the response of our parish groups to the Synod
ABOUT
For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission
A two-year ‘synodal’ process is taking place across the Catholic Church. This is an important moment in the life of the world Church, with Pope Francis calling us all to reflect on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” The Pope is inviting us to take this journey together. As the Preparatory Document for the Synod expresses, “This path of walking together is the most effective way of manifesting and putting into practice the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God.”
SYNOD 2021 – 2023 ONLINE EVENT- BISHOP RICHARD- 9 MARCH, 7.30PM
Bishop Richard presented a Summary of Feedback received from Parish Synod discussions during an online meeting which took place on 9 March at 7.30pm. It can be viewed below.
St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church 