THE SYNOD’S FOUNDATIONAL QUESTION AND THE SYNOD’S FIVE CORE QUESTIONS

 

Rev:2-10-22

THE SYNOD’S FOUNDATIONAL QUESTION

A Synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” 

How is this “journeying together” happening today in the Church?

How is the Holy Spirit inviting you to “journey together” with the Church?

Where do you hear the voice of the Holy Spirit calling you closer to the Church?

THE SYNOD’S FIVE CORE QUESTIONS

1. LISTENING

How is God speaking to you through the voices that are in your life?

How is God speaking to you through voices we sometimes ignore, including those on the peripheries?

What space is there in your life to listen to the voices on the peripheries of the Church, especially cultural groups, women, the disabled, those who experience poverty, marginalization, or social exclusion?

2. SPEAKING OUT

What enables or hinders you from speaking up courageously, candidly, and responsibly in the Church and society?

What space is there in our parishes for the voice of people, including active and inactive members of our faith?

3. SHARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR COMMON MISSION AND SHARING AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION

How are you able to participate in the mission of the Church to proclaim the Gospel?

What hinders you from being active in your parish?

How is authority or governance exercised in your local parish and in the Church?

4. DISCERNING AND DECIDING

How does your parish use the methods of listening and speaking (consultation) to make decisions?

How does your parish promote participation in decision-making within the hierarchical structures of the Church?

Does the decision-making methods of your parish help you to listen to all members of the community, including those who are on the peripheries of parish life?

5. CELEBRATION

How do prayer and liturgical celebrations, especially Sunday Mass, inspire and guide you? 

How does your prayer life and celebration of the Mass inspire and inform your personal decisions and decisions?

How does the parish invite all Catholics, including cultural communities, youth, families and persons with disabilities and their families, into the active life of the parish, especially Sunday Mass?