PCS Forum Presents: Next Steps for Synod in 2024 Part 1: The Face of the Synodal Church - January 16, 2024 1pm

People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church:

Next Steps for Synod in 2024

https://youtu.be/lCugA8hBtfQ

Part 1: The Face of the Synodal Church- January 16, 2024, 1pm-2pm and 7:30PM-8:30PM ET

Facilitators: Bridget Mary Meehan and Joan Pesce


Welcome and Opening Prayer: Joan Pesce


Highlights from Synthesis Report in Part 1 of Synthesis Report: Bridget Mary Meehan

Section 1: The Face of the Synodal Church - Highlights- Bridget Mary  

 

1. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ and co-responsible for mission of Church with “a ,genuine equality of dignity and common responsibility for mission according to the vocation of each.“

2. The Church itself is a “conversation” within itself and with the world, walking side by side with every human being in the style of Jesus.”

3. Christian communities are to join “other religions, convictions and cultures in mutual learning, service to those experiencing poverty, care for our common home and theological research. “

4. Synodality involves “reciprocal listening, dialogue, community discernment and creation of consensus” that renders Christ present in decisions” according to “responsibilities.”

5. Synodality offers “alternative way of being and acting for our times integrating a diversity of perspectives.”

6. Synodality integrates the contributions of theology, the humanities, social sciences as well as other models of ecclesial discernment of different spiritual traditions, ancient and recent.

QUESTIONS for Reflection on The Face of the Synodal Church- Joan 

  In your experience of circular leadership in your local church community, what have

been the benefits of this process? What have been the learning experiences?

 What challenges do you see to the ongoing development of the synodal

process in the Church?

 How do you move forward as a synodal church both in your local church community

and in the worldwide Church?

Section 2: Eucharist: Highlights- Bridget Mary 

7. “From the Eucharist we learn to articulate unity and diversity, “unity of sacramental mystery and a variety of liturgical traditions, unity of celebration and diversity of vocations, charisms and ministries. “

8. This means making “liturgical language more accessible” and “embodied in the diversity of cultures.”

9. The preferential option for the poor and those at the margins is rooted in the example of Jesus who “befriended people in poverty, shared a table with them and denounced the causes of poverty.”

16. The issue of Eucharistic hospitality is of “particular importance to inter-church couples and raises the need for a broader reflection on inter-church marriages.”

Questions: for Reflection on EUCHARIST- Joan

How do we promote unity and diversity in Eucharistic hospitality?

What challenges do you see for the Church in implementing understandable and inclusive language in the Liturgy and Rites?  

How do you practice Eucharistic hospitality in your ministry?

Section 3: Social Justice and Ministry- Highlights: Bridget Mary

10. The Church’s commitment must address the causes of poverty and exclusion. This includes actions to protect the rights of those who are excluded, and may involve denunciation of injustices. This means “listening to their demands and points of view, and utilizing their own words. “

11. The Church’s social justice teachings are not well-known. It is a requirement of faith, “not an optional extra. This is especially true for candidates for ordained ministry and consecrated life.”

12. The diaconal ministry should “promote a stronger orientation towards service to those who are poor.”

13. Living the Church’s mission in multicultural and multi-religious contexts requires “taking of one’s shoes to “cross the threshold towards encounter” and “respect for a sacred space, on an equal footing.”

14. The Church encourages interreligious dialogue and is aware that “the Spirit can speak through women and men of every religion, belief and culture.”

15. To address different understandings of evangelization, new paradigms are needed for pastoral engagement with indigenous peoples, that include their participation in decision -making processes at all levels.

17. It is proposed that Christians of other Churches and ecclesial traditions participate in Catholic synodal processes at all levels, including an ‘ecumenical Synod on common mission in the contemporary world. “

18. Each local Church is encouraged “to equip itself with suitable people trained to facilitate and accompany processes of ecclesial discernment.”



Questions for Reflection: Social Justice and Ministry- Joan

How can you expand awareness of the Church’s social doctrine in your local

church community?

How will you go about promoting ministry to the poor and those at the margins of

society in your local church community? How can this be done in the greater Church?

What challenges do you see in moving forward in joining with other churches and traditions in synodal processes at all levels?

NEXT Steps: Time for Prayerful Dialogue and Discernment : Bridget Mary

Please share these highlights on the Synthesis document with your communities and companions on the journey in a Synodal Church that we all belong to and participate in. 


Proposals for Decisions on Next Steps for Report to Vatican in preparation for Synod in 2024

You are invited to share your ideas for next steps forward for incorporation in the Summary Report that we will post on Vatican site in preparation for the October 2024 Synodal meeting in Rome. The Summary Report will be prepared by Bridget Mary and Joan Pesce and shared with you.

Join us on Feb. 6th for reflection and discussion at our next PCS Forum on Part 2 of THE  Synodal Synthesis Report - 

1:00 PM ET 7:30PM ET.