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Synod 2021-23

Preparing for Synod 2023

In preparation for the 2023 Synod, the whole Church is asked
to respond to questions about consultation and decision-making in the Catholic Church.
The following questions are meant to guide our reflection.
1.COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
In the Church and in society we are side by side on the same road.

In our Archdiocese, in our parish, who belongs; who “walks together”? Who seems left out or is on the margins, or even beyond the margins?

2.LISTENING
Listening is the first step, but it requires an open mind and heart, without prejudice.

How is God speaking to us through voices we sometimes ignore? How are the laity listened to, especially women and young people? What facilitates or inhibits our listening? How well do we listen to those on the peripheries? How is the contribution of consecrated men and women integrated? What are some limitations in our ability to listen, especially to those who have different views than our own? What space is there for the voice of minorities, especially people who experience poverty, marginalization, or social exclusion?
3.SPEAKING OUT

All are invited to speak with courage, in freedom, truth, and charity.
What enables or hinders speaking up courageously, candidly, and responsibly in our local Church?
4.CELEBRATION
“Walking together” is only possible if it is based on communal listening to the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist.

In your experience in this Archdiocese, do prayer and liturgical celebrations actually inspire and guide our common life and mission? If yes, how? If no, what could be done to fix it? 
5.SHARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR COMMON MISSION
Synodality is at the service of the mission of the Church, in which all members are called to participate.

How is every baptised person called to participate in the mission of the Church? What enables or hinders the baptised from being active in the Church’s mission?


6.DIALOGUE IN CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Dialogue requires perseverance and patience, but it also enables mutual understanding.

To what extent do diverse peoples in our community come together for dialogue?  Where do you see dialogue taking place in our local Church? Give some examples. What particular issues in the Church and society do we need to pay more attention to?


7.ECUMENISM

The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one baptism, has a special place in the synodal journey.
What relationships does our Church community have with members of other Christian denominations and/or other religions?


8.AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION
A synodal church is a participatory and co-responsible Church.
How does our Church decide its goals and priorities? Is our Church a model of teamwork and shared responsibility? Why or why not? Give some examples.
9.DISCERNING AND DECIDING

In a synodal style we make decisions through discernment of what the Holy Spirit is saying through our whole community. Discernment means listening to the Holy Spirit, the wisdom of the Church and to one another. 
How well do we discern as a Church?  Do you feel heard when decisions are made? How could we do better?

10.FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY
Synodality includes willingness to change, formation, and on-going learning. 
What formation is offered in our Archdiocese to empower people to be more capable of “walking together,” listening to one another, participating in mission, and engaging in dialogue? Does our Church do this?  Give an example.
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