We started with the following passage as our focus for Lectio Divina
43. Synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition. It permeates the daily life of the
Baptised as well as every aspect of the Church’s mission. A synodal spirituality flows from the action of the Holy Spirit and requires listening to the Word of God, contemplation, silence and conversion of heart. , “the Holy Spirit is a sure guide and […] our first task is to learn how to discern his voice, since he speaks through everyone and in all things” A spirituality of synodality also requires asceticism, humility, patience and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven. It welcomes with gratitude and humility the variety of gifts and tasks distributed by the Holy Spirit for the service of the one Lord (cf. 1 Cor 12:4-5). ( From the Final Document of the Synod o Synodality Nov 2024)
Feedback on the School for Synodality course “Reading the Final Document” on You Tube, Wednesdays May 21st– June 25th
5.Forming a People for Missionary Discipleship by Fr David McCallum SJ and Sandra Chaoul. Formation is more than education, it’s holistic, it’s about the way we relate to people. Fostering a capacity for discernment requires lots of practice. We learn by doing. It’s important to offer solid formation ( eg conflict resolution). Re Formation in the Sacraments: Important to allow questions, to have conversations rather than giving all the “answers”. Inclusivity, How can we allow people to share their struggles?
In seminary Fr David had no training in leadership.
6.Talk by Archbishop Jason Gordon on the Final Document: is to be included in the Update to be read at all Masses this weekend.
School for Synodality upcoming events:18th Oct Online event re “Pathways…” Document. Also, starting on 4th October there will be another online workshop series on Conversations in the Spirit.
Moderated Parish Update: On the new moderated parish website we can see the Synthesis of high priority points raised in both Hub meetings 2.7 and 3.7. “ Visioning: What do we want our Parish to look like in 2 years’ time? “( We discussed the following which has been copied from the new website as being relevant to the Synodal Path. All highlighted in bold type is what we discussed in more depth).
Communication Vital that parishioners are kept updated of everything going on in the Churches, spiritual, material and social via website, newsletters and pulpit etc .
Make good use of the Synodal way of listening and discerning (“conversations in the Spirit”)
Prayer & worship Use of lay-led para-liturgies, e.g. Morning Prayer, Prayer Groups, Holy Hours . ( We discussed Lay led Eucharistic Liturgies which we used to have in our diocese but were stopped. Apparently they still continue in some dioceses.)
ministry of welcome paramount
inclusive and lively liturgy for families with young people , Family Mass?
Formation Preparing people for missionary discipleship . Practical formation of those in ministry (e.g. Catechists, Welcomers, Readers). (We discussed how little formation there seems to be on offer and also the Alpha Course).
Mission Welcome and Inclusion paramount – how to welcome and accompany people (e.g. buddy system), how to integrate, introduce and support new enquirers. Pastoral Care Reaching out to those on the margins, to those distanced from Church and their faith. Good collaboration between clergy and laity is needed in all things.
We concluded with a time of prayers of intercession.
DATE OF NEXT MEETING: 25th October 10.45-12 in Holy Redeemer Church Hall.
Notes from the Synodal Action Group meeting 20.9.25
Click below for the October Synthesis Report.
https://www.synod.va/en/news/a-synodal-church-in-mission.html
Synod General Assembly to People of God: ‘Church must listen to everyone’. Participants in the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops have approved a Letter to the People of God giving thanks for their experience, detailing the work of the past few weeks, and expressing the hope that in the coming months, everyone will be able to “concretely participate in the dynamism of missionary communion indicated by the word ‘synod'”. Vatican City, October 25, 2023. Click below for a full copy.
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2023-10/letter-to-the-people-of-god.html
The Bishops of England and Wales have stated, “The Holy Spirit is asking us to be more synodal”. To this end our next Synodal Action Group meeting is at 10.45 to 12 on Saturday, 26th November in Holy Redeemer Church Hall. We will be looking at the Document for the Continental Stage which all Catholics across the globe have been invited to send in responses. The document can be downloaded at https://www.synod.va/en/highlights/working-document-for-the-continental-stage.html
You can send your responses by going to the diocesan website abdiocese.org.uk .
Do join us at our meeting, everyone’s contribution is so important.
A free online course on Synodality has been set up by the Vatican Synod Office and the Boston College of Theology. The course can be undertaken in one’s own time. To register type in the web browser formaciononline.bc.edu/en/courses/mooc2-2/
The Parish of the Good Shepherd is participating in the Synod established by Pope Francis. This participation is in conjunction with the Formation Team of the Diocese. Our Synod Action Group usually meet on a monthly basis, please check the newsletter for details of the next meeting.
Calling all the laity! Pope Francis is calling all of us, young and old, parents, single people, those from all backgrounds to be involved in the “Synodal Path” , a way to “walk with Jesus”. It’s purpose is to “inspire us… make our hopes flourish…restore strength for our common mission. To this end our diocese has prepared materials for Parish Advent Groups. All are welcome.
We will keep this page updated as things progress and here is a link to our Diocesan page https://www.abdiocese.org.uk/synod
The Synod Action Group continues to meet in the Holy Redeemer Church hall please see the newsletter for dates . Do come along! All welcome. For more information contact Margaret at synodgoodshepherd@mail.com below are the notes from the last meeting for your information.
Click here to read a copy of our report to the Diocese detailing our response so far.
There is an online survey for those who would like to contribute to the Synod process, but are either unable or unwilling to attend in person meeting: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PTZKV3L
The questions and reflection points for the meetings can be found here: https://assets.website-files.com/5ed93a8802f9816a9341c2a2/619520c609db7c2f165f3c18_Synod%20Participants%20Guide%20Comms.pdf
FAQ’s can be found here: https://assets.website-files.com/5ed93a8802f9816a9341c2a2/619529a21b7f6f51c24d2135_Synod%20FAQs%20Nov%202021.pdf
Junior Synod Guide can be found here: https://assets.website-files.com/5ed93a8802f9816a9341c2a2/61952289d5c83f0d72ca3f16_Junior%20Synod%20Leaflet%20E)%20Nov%202021.pdf
Bishop Richard’s Pastoral Letter about the Synod can be read here: https://vimeo.com/617844060
More information about the Synod can be found here: https://www.synod.va/en.html
Parish of the Good Shepherd 