Dear Parishioners,

As we begin a new year, the Holy Father has asked us all to participate in a Synod on Synodality. I know some of you may not know what this is. So, here is the information that is provided by the Diocese:

As preparations continue for the local phase of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, the Diocesan Synod Committee issued preliminary questions and answers adapted from the USCCB Synod Preparatory Document.

1. What is the purpose of the Synod?

Pope Francis has shared that the purpose of Synod 2021-2023 is to plant dreams, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, and learn from one another. The Synod is a call to pray, to listen, and to discern together what the Holy Spirit is saying to our pilgrim Church today.

The following questions might help us focus on the Diocesan phase of the synodal process: What steps does the Spirit invite us to take to grow in journeying together? How is this journeying together happening today in our local Church?

2. When will the Synod start and how long will it last?

The Diocese held three orientation sessions for pastors and other parish leaders during November [and December]. Parish listening sessions will be convened in January 2022 and will be held through March 2022. In addition to listening sessions, the Diocese will do surveys and other outreach to gain as much input as possible. The Diocesan phase of the Synod will be completed in April 2022. A Diocesan Report will be forwarded to the USCCB on or about June 1, 2022.

3. Are there themes for the Synod process? Yes, some of them are:

• Walking together as companions in faith and in prayer.
• Listening to the Spirit and helping each other to listen to one another and the Spirit.
• Sharing responsibility for our common mission.
• Joining in dialogue with the wider society – including an ecumenical dialogue.
• Discerning how we are a team working together as Church – always helping each other.

The Synod is primarily a spiritual exercise, not data-gathering or a series of meetings or debates. In the Synod, we will come together for respectful listening so that we might hear and discern the Holy Spirit’s call. A goal is to establish a way of listening and hearing, of discernment and action which remains faithful to the truths received, but pastorally responds to these truths in the context of the present time. In a Synodal Church, everyone has something to learn, with all listening to each other and the Holy Spirit. The Synod is a time to reaffirm the good and reimagine what could be better.

4. Who will be involved in the Synod?

We hope to engage every parish and all Catholic organizations, integrating our listening into existing parish programs and activities. We need to listen to voices not heard in the past – including those who no longer practice the faith. We need to listen to those who do not always have the same views as us.

Source: https://dioceseoftrenton.org/xvi-synod

I will update you all on how you can participate in this Synod is my next bulletin letter.

God bless!

Fr. Carte