Synod on Synodality!

​Synod on Synodality
Northwoods Catholic Communities gather on Saturday, February 19 from 8:30 am to 11 am at Padua Center for Prayer and Discussion…Please join!

In September 2021, Pope Francis invited Catholics worldwide to take part in the Synod on Synodality in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. There are three phases: Diocesian phase,    National phase and final is Synod 2023.

Bishop Powers invites each parish cluster in our diocese to gather for prayer and discussion. Our   cluster is gathering on February 19, 2022 from 8:30 am to 11 am. Following our gathering we have to submit a report based on our discussion. In March representatives from our cluster gather with other representatives from other clusters with the Bishop and other Diocesan leaders. After hearing from each cluster, the diocese will develop a report for our diocese and submit it to the United States     Bishops Conference. Then the Bishops Conference will submit a report based on the report from each diocese to Rome. This report will be coming from every country and it will be the document for Synod 2023.

I am sure all of you have lots of questions about our gathering. It is a time of prayer and discussion. We gather at 8:30 am with a cup of coffee, first listen to the Bishop’s  message (Video), then we pray on the Gospel passage of Mark 2:1-12 (Lectio Divina). Most of the discussion happens in small groups. There will be a group leader who will guide and take notes to present in the large group. There will be a set of questions for the small group discussion. The mask is not required, but everyone is   encouraged to wear one. If you are concerned about mingling with people who don’t have masks, you may be guided to a designated area. It will be a great opportunity to gather together and listen to each other and find out how we can live out the Gospel in a meaningful way.

Synod means journey together, which helps to listen, discern to go forward as a Church. We ask   guidance of the Holy Spirit as we listen to the Gospel (Mark 2:1-12) passage and see the faith of those people and look at our community to see what the needs of our time are. Pope Francis has three main key words: communion, participation and mission.

Communion: Unity in diversity. The Holy Trinity is the example for us. Christ came to reconcile us to the Father and unites us in the Holy Spirit. Synodality, journey together, so, the Pope seeks to hear what everyone has to contribute.

Participation: It builds on communion and encourages everyone to participate at a deepest level by  listening to each other. Encourage and invite each other to involve in the life of the Church.

Mission: After the Pentecost, the disciples went out to proclaim the Gospel. The Holy Spirit led the Apostles and continued to guide the Church. The Holy Spirit leads us to go forth and share the love of God with humanity. How do we share in our community?

It is a beginning, I think we should continue this dialogue as a parish, and as a cluster. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, February 19 and sign up. The more people sign up, the better we can    prepare for the day. We will have coffee and donuts as you come. We will be preparing booklets for everyone. So please call the office as soon as possible, or sign up at the entrance. Thank you very much in advance for your participation.