PLEASE JOIN the Synod Process and TELL us! HOW? By sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the Church, such as:
• What happiness do you experience in the Church?
• What difficulties and challenges have you experienced in the Church?
• What insights do you have from these experiences?
• What ways do you think the Church needs to change or evolve?
What’s a Synod? The purpose of a synod is to collectively pause and reflect on the journey underway. So for the Church, it means to pause and reflect about issues that impact it faithfully living as the presence of Christ in the world. Synods have historically been an event, a gathering of bishops from around the world to reflect on key issues or questions for the Church.
This one is totally DIFFERENT! Pope Francis has challenged the Church to gather ALL the voices of the People of God on these questions, and especially to make sure to invite people who don’t always feel welcome or appreciated. Two years are dedicated to the process! But the big difference is the challenge for the Church to become synodal, making this attentive listening and sharing part of the very nature of the Church! This process will take more than two years!
Parishes all over the Archdiocese of Newark are planning listening sessions. You are welcome to attend any you wish. We are also intentionally reaching out to individuals with disabilities and those who care about them: parents, siblings, guardians, friends, educators, and human service providers to share your experiences and thoughts on questions like the ones above.
YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT!
