Synodality - A way of being Church
Pope Francis describes Synodality as “the path
by which the Church can be renewed by the action of the Holy Spirit, listening
together to what God has to say to his people” (Vademecum, pg. 8). It is the hope
of Holy Father that this Synod is understood as both a gift and a task.
The Second Vatican Council reinvigorated the sense that all baptized,
both the hierarchy and the laity, are called to be active participants in the
saving mission of the Church. The faithful have received the Holy Spirit in
baptism and confirmation and are endowed with the diverse gits for the renewal
and building up of the Church, as members of the body of Christ.
The purpose of this Synod is not to produce more documents rather it is
intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to
make people’s hope flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave
new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to
enlighten minds, warm hearts and restore strength to our hands for our common
mission.
“Participating in a Synod means placing ourselves on the same path as the Word made flesh. It means following in his footsteps, listening to his word along with the words of others. Let us not soundproof our hearts; let us not remain barricaded in our certainties. So often our certainties can make us closed. Let us listen to one another.” Pope Francis, Homily October 10, 2021
Resources
Link to the Archdiocese website to access Listening phase Synod Synthesis Report:
https://caedm.ca/synod
What is Synod?
A Synod is a gathering, traditionally of bishops, who helps the Church to walk forward in the same direction. The word “synod” comes from a Greek word meaning “the same way” or “the same path.” Synods were common in the first centuries of Christianity, giving bishops the opportunities to meet and discuss issues of importance for the life of the Church. In 1965, Pope Paul VI instituted the Synod of Bishops at the universal level of the Church. He wanted a way of continuing the fraternal, collegial exchange that had been experienced at the Second Vatican Council, where bishops from across the globe had gathered between 1962 and 1965. Since then, synods have been organized every two or three years, bringing together bishops, experts, and various delegates to discuss topics like the Eucharist, the Word of God, the Middle East, the family, and youth. In each case, the bishops vote on a final document, then the pope writes the “apostolic exhortation” – to open new pathways and sheds light on what was discussed at the synod, so that it can be shared with the entire Church.
What is unique about this Synod on Synodality?
Unlike past Synods, this one is not about addressing a particular issue but about becoming who God calls us to be as a Church. This two-year Synodal process is for the entire People of God. This Synod focuses on giving the entire Church a living experience to walk together and to have our voices heard. The Church is saying: the voice of EVERYONE matters because God can talk through ANYONE – not only bishops, priests, deacons, brothers, or sisters but ALL OF US! It is not about filling out a questionnaire. The aim of the Synod is to put Synodality into practice by coming together at all local parishes to pray and reflect upon the Holy Spirit’s will for the Church.
More information and resources on the Synod
The Archdiocese of Edmonton has lots more information on the Synod, click the link to visit the Website : https://caedm.ca/synod
The Vatican website also has various resources as well: https://www.synod.va/
