People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church: Next Steps for Synod in 2024 Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm

 

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

Next Steps for Synod in 2024 

Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm 

Facilitators: Bridget Mary Meehan and Joan Pesce

Zoom link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84965259983?pwd=VFl1cWhjV2UvMGl1cWFyR05mU2xKQT09

Meeting ID: 849 6525 9983
Passcode: 868236

Welcome and Opening Prayer: Joan Pesce

Highlights from Synthesis Report in Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities

 Bridget Mary Meehan

Formation for a Synodal Church Includes: 

-theology, and “the exercise of co-responsibility, listening, and discernment; ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, service to the poorest and care for our common home.”

- “discernment processes, conversation in the Spirit, consensus- building and conflict resolution.” 

Matters for Consideration include 

-Sexual education that integrates a “more mature synthesis” between psychology and theology.

-the People of God in formation programs for ordained ministry.

Proposals include:

-Women in formation programs of ordained ministers.

-Adequate standards and processes for selecting candidates for ordained ministry

-Formation for ordained ministries rooted in life of Christian community.

-Exercise of authority appropriate in a synodal Church

Ecclesial Discernment and Open Questions:

-Dialogue incorporating science, theology, experience on issues related to sexuality and “bodiliness.”

-Issues on identity and sexuality, end of life, marital situations raise new questions and require further study.

-Theological reflection that starts with daily experience of God’s Holy People and places itself at its service.

Proposals include:

-Initiatives on controversial doctrinal, pastoral and ethical issues should “involve people directly affected by the matters under consideration.” 

Towards a Listening and Accompanying Church:

-The Church needs to listen victims and survivors of sexual abuse by clergy. 

-People excluded because of marriage status, identity or sexuality should be heard.

 

-Listening to the excluded enables the Church to understand the point of view of the marginalized and to place itself concretely at their side.

-Small Christian communities foster listening practices of, and amongst, the baptised. We are called to expand and adapt to urban contexts.

Mission in the Digital Environment: Matters for Consideration:

-Catholic educational institutions used online platforms during lockdowns and continue to do so.

-How can the Church” unleash new energies for new forms of mission?”

-Church should accompany “digital missionaries”, and facilitate networking amongst them.

-Create collaborative networks of influencers from other religions/beliefs to promote human dignity, justice, and care for our common home.

Structures of Participation-Matters for Consideration:

-All the baptized should be involved in processes and decision-making in the Church. 

-“We are encouraged by many small communities in the emerging Church, who live the closeness of the day-to-day around the Word of God and the Eucharist.”

Proposals:

-Recommend legislating for the obligatory nature of Pastoral Councils in Christian communities and local churches. 

-Given the variety of charismatic and ministerial gifts of the People of God, how do we integrate the tasks of advising, discerning, and deciding in the various participatory bodies?

Questions for Reflection: Joan Pesce

Time for Prayerful Dialogue and Discernment :

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

Summary Report: Bridget Mary and Joan Pesce