Synod on Synodality

The synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis, is a two-year, worldwide undertaking during which Catholics will be encourage to submit feedback to their local diocese.

Synodality, as defined by the International Theological Commission in 2018, is “the action of the Spirit in the communion of the Body of Christ and in the missionary journey of the People of God.” The term is generally understood to represent a process of discernment, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, involving bishops, priests, religious and lay Catholics, each according to the gifts and charisms of their vocation.

Pope Francis wants us to join him in praying, listening, discerning, examining ourselves personally and the Church communally; to see if we’re truly on the path Jesus has set for His beloved bride, His mystical body, the Church.  Pope Francis says, “There is no need to create a new church, but to create a different church.

Cardinal Timothy Dolan reminded us of certain clear essentials intended by Jesus, constant, although at times, we admit clouded and dimmed, in the Church’s amazing 2,000 year drama.  Here are a few of the non-negotiables he outlined.

1. The energy and direction driving the Church comes from the Holy Spirit, not ourselves.
2. While in the world, we are not of the world, and thus our guiding principles come the the Gospel revelation, and the patrimony of the Church’s settled teaching.
3. The principles of the innate dignity of every human person and the inherent sacredness of all human life are the towering moral lighthouses on our path.
4. Our journey through this life back to our true eternal home of heaven is most effectively accomplished precisely as a journey as we walk with and accompany each other, with Jesus as our guide, His Mother and the saints, and we sinners at each other’s side.
5. On this journey we pay special attention to those at the side of the road, especially those who are sick, weak, poor, or unable to keep up with us.
6. Our wealth only comes from faith, trust, prayer, the sacrament and God’s grace.
7. Mercy, love, invitation, humility, joy, selfless generous service, and good example are out only tools, never harshness, condemnation, or pride.

The Video below gives a good explanation.

Bishop Gerald Vincke says, “The beginning of the first phase of the synod, involves listening and consulting the people of God to help set in motion, ideas and energy and creativity from all of us on the journey.  It is intended to inspire people to dream about the church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes 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.”  “I think the ultimate goal is to see everyone as a member of our family.”

Upcoming Open Forums for Discussion
Monday March 21, 7:00 pm Great Bend Motherhouse – must be vaccinated to attend
Monday May 2, 7:00 pm Prince of Peace Parish Center

If you want to share your experience or thoughts please fill out the form below.  Not all questions have to be answered, only the ones to which you wish to respond.  All responses gathered through Heartland Center for Spirituality will be compiled and shared with the Diocese of Dodge City.