SYNOD ON SYNODALITY•
The Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops has decided to extend until August 15, 2022 the deadline for the presentation to the General Secretariat of the Bishops of the summaries of the consultations by the Episcopal Conferences, the Oriental Catholic Churches sui iuris and other ecclesial bodies. —
In a press release issued earlier this week, we read:
The numerous communications we have received in these first weeks of the synodal process from the Episcopal Conferences, dioceses and eparchies are truly an encouraging confirmation of those in the Church who are committed to celebrating the first phase of the synodal process — the theme of which is For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission — constituted by the consultation of the People of God. For all this we are truly grateful.
During this period, we have heard, over and over again and from many quarters, the request to extend the duration of the first phase of the synodal process in order to provide a greater opportunity for the people of God to have an authentic experience of listening and dialogue.
Palencia
As we walk together, together we learn
In addition to the official documents of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops (Preparatory Document and Vademecum) now available in several other languages, there are several episcopal conferences, dioceses and ecclesial bodies that have developed their own tools and methodologies to promote an authentic participatory and inclusive listening time.
This is the case of the Leadership Roundtable (United States), the PastaTalk of the diocese of Lucerne (Switzerland) or the tools developed by the diocese of Palencia (Spain) to teach synodality among children. More examples are available here.
Schoenstatt Italy with the Synod
Pray for the Synod
The Synod is first and foremost a spiritual experience. In order to support the synodal journey and ask for the Spirit’s assistance, together with the World Network of Prayers of the Pope, we have set up a website in 5 languages: Church on the Way. Pray for the Synod. From 2 November, you too can send your prayer. See how to do it…
Let us pray for the Synod, in covenant.
