Synod

In October, Pope Francis opened Synod on Synodality.  The first phase of the Synod has to do with experiencing Synodality in the Parish.  Pope Francis is encouraging us to look to Synodality.  “Enlightened by the Word of God and united in prayer, we will be able to discern the processes to seek God’s will and pursue the pathways to which God calls us – towards deeper communion, fuller participation, and greater openness to fulfilling our mission in the world.” The key question is: “How does this ‘journeying together’ take place today on different levels (from the local level to the universal one), allowing the Church to proclaim the Gospel? And what steps is the Spirit inviting us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church?”  Three parts we are to look at are Communion, Participation and Mission.  At the heart of it, prayer, listening, discernment and participation.  This week I am meeting with the priests of our deanery to participate in the synodal process and then to have gatherings in our parish to experience synodality.  You can read more about the Synod and what the diocese is doing at www.drvcsynod.com.  Bishop Andrzej will be holding a liturgical catechesis “Synod on Synodality” on February 22.

For now, we continue our walk with the Lord.