Canadian Oblates Sponsor Virtual Panel on Synod on Synodality
Canada
“This is a unique opportunity to connect with the Continental Stage of the SYNODAL process that has been unfolding over the past two years and will conclude in October, 2024. This event, organized by our OMI Canadian colleagues for those interested in remaining in touch with or learning about this SYNODAL process, promises to be informative and engaging” – Fr. Séamus Finn, OMI
As the Synodal process in the Catholic Church moves to the Continental Phase of the consultation, many are wondering what will come of all that was generated and asking “How can the church, at all levels, keep the energy, the conversations and the dialogue going throughout the process?”. This virtual conversation will provide an opportunity to learn about the synodal process going forward and to explore ways to stay informed and engaged throughout.
Welcome to part 1 of a series of virtual events to take place across Canada sponsored by Galilee Centre, Star of the North Retreat Centre, Queen’s House Retreat & Renewal Centre and Centre Oblat – A Voice for Justice. No Cost Registration Required.
Click here to register online or call 613-623-4242 Ext. 21.
What’s the Synod on Synodality All About?
With this convocation, Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.”
The journey involves the diocesan, continental and universal Church. The synodal process, aims to reorder the Church’s internal mechanisms for discussion and reflection, and to help shape a new way for the Church to understand and articulate both her internal self-understanding and mission of evangelization. The Synond on Synodality will culminate with an assembly in October 2024 in Rome. (Preparatory Document 9-7-21)
What is Synodality?
Synodality denotes the particular style that qualifies the life and mission of the Church, expressing her nature as the People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in th power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. Synodality ought to be expressed in the Church’s ordinary way of living and working.
Synodality, in this perspective, is much more than the celebration of ecclesial meetings and Bishops’ assemblies, or a matter of simple internal administration within the Church; it is the specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission.
What is the aim of this Synod?
This Synod is intended as a Synodal Process. The aim of this synodal process is not to provide a temporary or one-time experience of synodality, but rather to provide an opportunity for the entire People of God to discern together how to move forward on the path towards being a more synodal Church in the long-term.
A basic question prompts and guides us: How does this journeying together allow the Church to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the mission entrusted to Her; and what steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church?
Who is the Synod for?
By convoking this Synod, Pope Francis is inviting all the baptised to participate in this Synodal Process that begins at the diocesan level.
The main subjects of this synodal experience are all the baptised because all the baptised are the subject of the sensus fidelium, the living voice of the People of God. At the same time, in order to participate fully in the act of discerning, it is important for the baptised to hear the voices of other people in their local context, including people who have left the practice of the faith, people of other faith traditions, people of no religious belief.
Special care should be taken to involve those persons who may risk being excluded: women, the handicapped, refugees, migrants, the elderly, people who live in poverty, Catholics who rarely or never practice their faith, etc