Definition: Synodality is about walking together in a shared search for Christ in scripture, prayer, and common life.
The Catholic Church is open to dialogue and is participatory in nature which is evident through the Plenary Council and the Synod of Bishops. Both of these opportunities enable people to voice their perspective about what God is asking of us, at this current moment in time. Inspired by the Holy Spirit the Church can continue grow its mission by walking with each other in service for its Church community and beyond.
SYNOD OF BISHOPS – On Sunday, October 17, dioceses around the world will launch local preparations for the Synod of Bishops, under the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”. The Catholic Church in Australia will invite the People of God to make submissions via an online portal that will open on October 17. Those submissions will help the Bishops, to develop a national report to support the global process leading to an international gathering in 2023. Find out more at: http://www.catholic.org.au/synodalchurch
From the preparatory document the following questions are asked:
The fundamental question that guides this consultation of the People of God, is the following:
A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together:” How is this “journeying together” happening today in your particular Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?
In order to respond, you are invited to:
a) ask yourselves what experiences in your particular Church the fundamental question calls to mind;
b) reread these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they provoke? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds have they brought to light? What insights have they elicited?
c) gather the fruits to share: Where, in these experiences, does the voice of the Spirit resound? What is he asking of us? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? Where do we register a consensus? What paths are opening up for our particular Church?
For more from the preparation document see link below.
https://www.synod.va/en/documents/english-version-of-the-preparatory-document.html
“By walking together, and together reflecting on the journey made, the Church will be able to learn from what it will experience which processes can help it to live communion, to achieve participation, to open itself to mission.”
We pray the both the Plenary Council and the Synod of Bishops bears much fruit as the Catholic Church looks to clearly define its Mission to the world.
Prayer for the Synod
As we embrace this Synodal Process, this prayer invites
the Holy Spirit to be at work in us so that we may be a
community and a people of grace.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth
and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever.
Amen.
Mr Michael Monagle
Assistant Principal Mission and Identity