The synodal process over the next year includes listening sessions at all levels and dimensions of the Church, including the local parishes. Pope Francis wants to hear from practicing Catholics, of course. But even more, he wants to hear from those who have walked away from the institutional Church or who feel marginalized by the Church. This is an aspirational goal, especially given the time frame for these conversations. Here’s how it is envisioned to work:
Local parishes are asked to hold and then provide summaries of their listening sessions to their local bishop. These listening sessions will be held this January – March. These summaries will then be synthesized into a diocesan summary to be forwarded by each bishop to the national conference of bishops. The national conference of bishops, in turn, will provide their summary of responses to the Office of the Synod in Rome. This will all be synthesized into two working documents which will guide the agenda for the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held in Rome in October 2023.
It should be noted that any individual or any group who wishes to also provide their summaries directly to the Vatican General Secretariat of the Synod may certainly do so.
Given this schedule, time is of the essence. Father Paulson has asked me to coordinate sessions for conversation and listening at Christ the King Parish. These will begin after the first of the year. In the meantime, you may want to use these questions for your reflection and as a way of preparing for a future conversation with other parishioners:
· Is the Church currently meeting your needs and the needs of your family to deepen your spiritual life and more fully live out the Gospel call to love God and love neighbor?
· What can the Church do differently/better to help you live a Christian life?
· How can the Church increase its relevancy in your life and your family’s life?
· What are your main concerns about the Church and its future?
· What do you suggest the Church do to address these concerns?
· What would the Church of your hopes and dreams look like?
Pope Francis is presenting us with an extraordinary opportunity to speak out about the kind of Church we would like to see going forward. Again, to quote from the Vatican Handbook: “. . . our journey of listening to one another can be an authentic experience of discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit . . a time for deep reflection and a spirit of mutual trust, common faith, and a shared purpose.” That is our hope for the sessions we will hold through CTK. More information will be forthcoming after the first of the year.
Jim Briggs
