What is the purpose of the Synod as a whole?

The purpose of the upcoming Synod of Bishops is to assist in reorienting the Church in a posture of accompaniment and journeying together.  “By journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, achieve participation, and open Herself to mission.  Our ‘journeying together’ is, in fact, what most effectively enacts and manifests the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God” (Preparatory Document).

What is the goal of the Diocesan Phase?

The goal of the Diocesan Phase of the synod is first to hear people’s experiences of how they have been accompanied by the Church and how they have “journeyed together” with their Church community.  We also what to hear for ways that we can better journey together as a diocesan and parish community.

How can I participate in the Synod?

We want to hear from as many people as possible!  Parishes will be participating in a variety of ways at the discretion of the Pastor based on the needs and desires of their particular communities.  Check with your parish to see how you can participate in this phase of the Synod. 

Alternatively, using the questions below as a prompt, you can send your thoughts to Fr. Patrick Riviere at your convenience.  This can be done via email at priviere@htdiocese.org or by phone at (985) 850-3143.  The deadline for submitting your thoughts is June 1, 2022.
 

FOCUS QUESTION FOR THE SYNOD

A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” How is this “journeying together” happening today in your local Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take to grow in “journeying together”?

SUPPORTING QUESTIONS FOR FURTHER THOUGHT

• Who are we journeying with? Is anyone left out?
• Who does our particular Church need to listen to?
• How can we promote a free and authentic style of communication?
• How are divergences of vision, conflicts, and difficulties addressed currently? How can we do better?
• How do prayer and the liturgy inspire and direct our journeying together?
• By what procedures and methods do we discern together and make decisions?
• How do we form people, especially those in roles of responsibility, to make them capable of journeying together?
• How does the Church dialogue with and learn from other sectors of society: politics, economics, culture, civics?