First Sitting of the Synod

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF BRIDGETOWN

FIRST SITTING OF THE SYNOD

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS

WORD | EUCHARIST | SERVICE

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown

Mission ‘To lead all people to unity, encounter and participation in Christ.’ 

Vision ‘By 2019 the Roman Catholic Church in Barbados will be a recognized leader in integral development, forming mature disciples who build strong Christian families and vibrant communities in the service of Christian Unity, the Common Good and the Kingdom of God’. 

Core Values Prayer-Forgiveness-Gratitude-Hospitality 

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The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown

Contents

Greetings from the Secretary of State 3 Greetings from the Apostolic Nuncio to Barbados 4 Foreword, Bishop C. Jason Gordon 5 Message from May Hinds, Chairperson – Synod 2014 6 Decree of Approval, Bishop C. Jason Gordon 7 Approved Resolutions 8 Homily - Synod Opening Mass 10 The Journey to Synod 2014 – Bishop C. Jason Gordon 14 Synod Papers of the Three Pastoral Priorities 15 WORD, Fr. Vibert Stephens and June Ann Pinkerton 15 EUCHARIST, Fr. Charles and Sr. Susan Gopaul 18 SERVICE, Fr. Andy and Glenda Medford 20 Synod Implementation 22 The way forward to 2019 - Bishop C. Jason Gordon 26 Evaluation Report 30 Logo Explanation 31 Fact Sheet 32 Glossary of Terms 34 Photo Essay 36 Synod Prayer 38

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Foreword MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JASON GORDON

My brothers and sisters decisions. I also appointed a Vision Team under Synod 2014 is an inspiring the leadership of Ms. May Hinds and Msgr. example of the success we Harcourt to focus specifically on ensuring that can achieve by working the Diocese achieves its vision by 2019. together around a common It can be said, therefore, that an exciting time lies purpose to advance the ahead for our Diocese over the next five years. Kingdom of God. Your continued support for the Synod process Synod 2014 issued a clarion call for us to build remains crucial to attaining the outcomes we a better Catholic Church together. The dynamic desire. It is our intention to keep you fully leadership provided by Ms. May Hinds and informed of the progress being made based on other members of the Process Core Team, along our commitment to improving communication. with your enthusiastic response expressed This Synod 2014 keepsake captures our through the contribution of your thoughts and journey with particular focus on the historic ideas, helped us to achieve key objectives. deliberations of October 16-19. Meant as Synod 2014 reached a high point with the an easy reference, it contains all of the key historic deliberations of October 16-19 at presentations as well as the resolutions which the Living Water Community Centre. With were approved. this aspect of the five-year process out of the May reading it serve to keep us focused on way, the focus now is on implementing your our goals! May the story of the Synod 2014’s mandate to renew and transform the church in success also inspire us to accomplish even our Diocese based on a better understanding of greater things in the service of God and our Word, Eucharist and Service. fellow man and woman! Immediately following the conclusion Thanks again for your commitment and of the deliberations of October 16-19, I support! established a Synod Implementation Team under the chairmanship of Ms. Glenda With Gratitude Medford and comprising representatives of the clergy, religious and laity. The team has responsibility for drawing up and overseeing the implementation of a 2014- The Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Ph.D. 2019 Implementation Plan informed by your Bishop of Bridgetown

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Message

FROM SYNOD 2014 CHAIRPERSON MAY HINDS

On behalf of the other members of the Process Core Team, I welcome the publication of this Synod 2014 keepsake which records for posterity our walk of faith to build a better church together in the Diocese of Bridgetown. To have been chosen to guide the Synod process up to the crucial high point of October 16-19 was a great honour and privilege for all of us. We accepted this responsibility with humility and thank our Bishop, The Most Rev. Dr. Jason Gordon, for reposing such confidence in us. We thank him for his inspiring leadership. We also thank the clergy and laity in the seven parishes across the Diocese for their encouragement and support. Mention must be made of the persons who willingly agreed to serve on the special teams which were set up by the Process Core Team to handle important aspects of the planning to ensure Synod 2014 was a resounding success. What a richly rewarding experience it was! Following the historic October 16-19 deliberations, the Synod 2014 process has entered the crucial implementation stage where the decisions you took will be put into effect over the next five years. We ask for your continued prayers and support for the Synod Implementation Team as we seek to renew and transform our Church with the aim of ensuring that the Church’s ageless message remains relevant to a changing Barbados.

With every blessing

May Hinds (Miss) Synod 2014 Chairperson

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Decree of Approval

Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown

Bishop’s House

Lady Meade Gardens

P.O. Box 1223 Bishop’s House Bridgetown BB11000 Lady Meade Gardens Telephone: (246) 426-‐3510 Barbados P.O. Box 1223 Fax: (246) 429-‐6198 West Indies. Email: [email protected] Bridgetown BB11000 Telephone: (246) 426-‐3510 [email protected] Barbados Fax: (246) 429-‐6198 West Indies. Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Bridgetown

Barbados Bridgetown October 19, 2014 Barbados

October 19, 2014

By the authority granted to me by Canon 466 of the Code of Canon Law, IBy hereby the authority give formal granted approval to me ofby theCanon resolutions 466 of theof CodeSynod of 2014Canon of Law, the DioceseI hereby of giveBridgetown formal approvaland authorize of the their resolutions publication of Synodand implementatio 2014 of then overDiocese the nextof Bridgetownfive years. and authorize their publication and implementation over the next five years.

The Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Ph.D. Bishop of Bridgetown The Most Rev. Charles Jason Gordon, Ph.D. Bishop of Bridgetown

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Approved Resolutions

Eucharist be encouraged and nurtured in the Word life of every Catholic, every family, every 1. Be it resolved that the Bible be reaffirmed parish and every Catholic institution. as the foundation and as an animating 3. Be it resolved that each parish make force of the faith of every Catholic, every ministry to children an integral part of the family, every parish, every Ministry and Sunday Liturgy. every Catholic institution to facilitate the 4. Be it resolved that Christian initiation encounter with The Living Word, Jesus programmes for all age groups be evaluated, Christ. standardized and publicised across the 2. Be it resolved that the diocese at all diocese. levels promote the use of the Bible as 5. Be it resolved that the sacrament of the inspiration of all pastoral work by reconciliation be promoted and made implementing Biblical Animation of all available as a crucial encounter with Christ Pastoral Life (ABP). [*Footnote to be added in all parishes. explaining Biblical Animation of all Pastoral Life] 3. Be it resolved that the diocese, at all levels, Service promote Lectio Divina as a way of prayer 1. Be it resolved that stewardship be integrated for all Catholics. as a hallmark of service in every parish, 4. Be it resolved that the diocese promote ministry and Catholic institution and be biblical studies and offer opportunities for it. actively promoted as a way of life for every 5. Be it resolved that the diocese collaborate Catholic. with the AEC Bishops, other Christians and 2. Be it resolved that Catholic Social Teaching the Bible Society of the Eastern Caribbean be promoted and embedded in the life of in promoting the Word of God. every Catholic, every family, every parish 6. Be it resolved that the Bible be the and every Catholic institution. foundation of all catechetical and pastoral 3. Be it resolved that the diocese actively programmes. promote authentic integral human 7. development, as defined by Pope Paul VI, amongst its members and for the people Eucharist of Barbados in the service of the most 1. Be it resolved that the Holy Eucharist be vulnerable. promoted as the source and summit of the 4. Be it resolved that Christian citizenship life of every Catholic, every family and be promoted as an essential dimension of every Catholic institution. Christian stewardship. 2. Be it resolved that devotion to the Holy

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5. Be it resolved that the Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown articulate publicly and regularly Vocations its teachings on “Catholic Social Justice” to 1. Be it resolved that the diocese, at all levels, advocate on behalf of all in need. actively promote a culture of vocation to facilitate a response to the call to priesthood, diaconate, religious life and consecrated lay Family And Youth life. 1. Be it resolved that the Diocese of Bridgetown be committed to the promotion of the New Evangelisation as enunciated by Communications the Magisterium and as outlined in the Joy 1. Be it resolved that the diocese further of the Gospel by Pope Francis. develop its framework for the effective 2. Be it resolved that the Diocese of sharing of information among all levels of Bridgetown promote and strengthen its the diocese using all available media. comprehensive youth and young adult 2. Be it resolved that the diocese use all ministry at all developmental stages. available means to promote the Good News 3. Be it resolved that the youth and young of Jesus Christ. adults, where eligible, be included in the 3. Be it resolved that there be a main and activities of all leadership groups and central place where dates for events or any ministries of the parish and diocese, and activities be recorded within the Diocese. allowed to actively serve and have a vote in decision making. 4. Be it resolved that parishes offer ongoing discipleship formation programs for existing Formation parishioners and new members. This is to 1. Be it resolved that the diocese implement facilitate the faithful in deepening their comprehensive training programmes for all discipleship to Christ Jesus. people in ministry, especially catechists and 5. Be it resolved that the Diocese of that they be mandated to participate. Bridgetown have comprehensive 2. Be it resolved that the diocese implement programmes for the evangelization of the a comprehensive catechetical formation family. training programme that includes all age 6. Be it resolved that the diocese actively groups, appropriate methodologies for promote and defend the Catholic special needs and able-bodied persons. understanding of the Sacrament of Marriage within the context that love, marriage and family go together. Catholic Schools 7. Be it resolved that the Diocese of 1. Be it resolved that the diocese ensure high Bridgetown actively educate, promote quality, holistic formation in our Catholic and support the renewal movements (E.g. Schools. Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Choice, 2. Be it resolved that the diocese promote Youth 2000, Alpha, Cursillo and Christian Catholic education for all ages and sexes to Meditation) through all its parishes to assist parents in fulfilling their obligation empower all Catholics in the service of the in the formation of their children as New Evangelization. Disciples of Christ in the service of the New Evangelization.

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Finance Policies 1. Be it resolved that the diocese, parishes and 1. Be it resolved that the diocese develop and all Catholic organizations publish annual establish policies to support and embed stewardship reports and quarterly updates. its mission, vision and core values at 2. Be it resolved that the diocese implement an every level and for all vital aspects of the annual Bishop’s Appeal and a diocesan fund organization. raising event supported by all parishes and Catholic organizations to support the work to be undertaken by SYNOD 2014.

NOTE: It was resolved that all the new resolutions brought to the SYNOD by individuals today (18th October, 2014) and not dealt on the floor, will be reviewed and where applicable treated as strategies for implementing the existing resolutions.

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Homily: Synod Opening Mass THE MOST REV. CHARLES JASON GORDON, PH.D. BISHOP OF BRIDGETOWN ST. PATRICK’S CATHEDRAL. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2014

It has been a long run for us to arrive at this day and it’s great that you have joined us to witness this historical moment as we launch our first Synod. Our readings today are the readings of Pentecost. These are the readings suggested for Synod because if you want calm, control, and order, do not invite the Holy Spirit in. If you want things turned up and turned upside down, if you want to see the whole thing moved in new directions that you have never yet thought of, then you pray as the Psalm is prayed: “Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the world.” We call on the Holy Spirit to come to us today as church and we ask the Spirit to come so that as we enter into the deliberations of the Synod, we leave it wide open to whatever God wants of us. Our readings tell an old story of salvation. Our first reading from the Acts of the Apostles speaks to the Old Testament reading of the Tower of Babel when, in the pride of humanity, we thought we could reach to God or we can build a tower that we can reach to God without God coming to us. You know what God did; he created confusion of the languages of the people and as he confused the languages of the people, somebody was saying ‘hello’ and somebody saying ‘buenos dias’. Then nobody knew what each other was saying. Look at trouble in place!”. The cacophony that came from Babel meant human beings had the ability to speak languages others did not understand. Have you ever felt that it is better to talk Greek because this person who is speaking English does not understand you? Have you ever felt that way? When the Spirit is not there, our language is not communication. It is just noise -- empty and hollow. It is booming but it is not communicating and it is certainly not communicating the love of God to all of God’s people. Without the Holy Spirit, brothers and sisters, we could preach a million sermons and reach no hearts. With the Spirit, one sermon can convict the hearts of many and many can come to know the mysteries of God. As they experience the conviction of true and authentic communication which is a gift of the Spirit, their hearts are convinced and their lives are enriched. So we pray with the church: “Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the world.” In this reading of Pentecost, the confusion of language gives way to one man speaking and everyone understanding. From no understanding, we now have understanding. Now just one man speaks and everyone understands but they understand in their native language. That means they had to understand it in Bajan. Yes! They had to understand it in their own native language. They could

Page 14 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown not translate from another language to understand; they had to understand it in the deepest way of communicating that we know. In the way in which our hearts are endeared to God, we have to know it from the core of our being and from the soul of our soul. This gift of the Spirit is a gift of communication. This gift of communication allows people to know what the mysteries of God are because, as they hear, their hearts burn inside them and as their hearts burn, they know the truth that God is love and that this God of love is amongst us. This God of love is with us. This God of love is inside and around us and this God of love compels us to go forth into the world to be of service and of love. Many years ago when I was living in a very troubled community as the parish priest, we had settled a gang war between five different gangs and the lieutenants had agreed with their leaders that there would be no shooting off of guns anymore. One day, there was a shooting off of a gun by one of the lieutenants. That night when I saw him, I asked: ‘how could you shoot off the gun? Didn’t we agree that we would not? He replied: ‘Father, I had to send them a message.’I replied: ‘You had to do what?’ His response: ‘Yes, Father! I had to send them a message.’ He added: ‘I am talking to them and they cannot hear me.’ I interjected: ‘Wait! Wait! Hold on a second! You used the gun to send a message?” “Yes!” he said. “You used the gun to communicate what you wanted to say?’ I asked. “Yes!” he said. “So the gun for you is a tool of communication?” I queried. “Yes!” he replied. It was one of the most valuable lessons I understood about peace and literacy. When there is no literacy, there is no peace. We sat on the block that night and, for three hours, I explained to him what else he could have used to communicate the message. We explored ten different ways and he chooses two of them. Peace broke out in Gonzales, a Trinidadian community, because of that. The two men who were shooting off at each other came and sat together and that brought peace to the community. When we don’t have communication, what we have is cacophony. When we don’t have communication, what we have is violence. When we don’t have communication, what we have is discord, disharmony, disunity and all the things that we have seen so deeply affecting our society and our church. This is the absence of communication and the absence of the Holy Spirit because when the Spirit comes and the Spirit breathes upon us, we can speak and others will understand. We don’t have to use violence to communicate our message because people will hear the truth of the mysteries of God. We come to Synod 2014 as a church. We have been on this journey for three years. Three years and a month ago when I was ordained as a bishop in this church, I said to you that I would listen, I would listen and then I would listen again until I hear deeply what your aspirations are. For the three years I have listened in all different kinds of ways. First, with the three wishes you had; then the surveys that we have done. All the different ways that we have gathered information through the Think Tank and parish assemblies. All these different ways! Why? Well, through the act of listening, we start discerning where the Spirit is speaking and then we start opening ourselves to where God wants to lead us as church. Through the act of listening, what we heard clearly was that the church wanted unity. Not just unity within us as church but unity within our families, society and broader Caribbean region. Unity was our number one aspiration and the second was participation in the life and growth of the church.

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We have done everything possible to build unity and participation as the two foundations of Synod. A Synod is coming together to listen to each other so that we can hear what the Spirit is saying to the church. It requires that we listen deeply and carefully. I had an old aunt who used to say all the time that God gave you two ears and one mouth so that you may listen twice as much as you speak. As we come together, we come to listen to what God is saying to the church. What God is saying is that He is calling us to be a people, as we heard in the second reading, where we are a body of Christ where each member of this Church has a unique and particular gift and that gift only he/she can offer. If it is offered, the whole body will be enriched. So I have good news and bad news for you. The good news is that we already have everything we need as church to be a vibrant force for development and truth. A vibrant force for touching the lives of people and a vibrant force for bringing harmony into this land and touching the poor, bringing their lives into a state of harmony and peace. God has said to me we already have all the gifts that are required. Every single resource that is necessary has already been given to us. The bad news is this it is still locked up in our hearts and when we open our hearts, brothers and sisters, to each other over the next two days through this process called Synod, we will find a way to build church together and we will find a way to be the people of God together. We are gathering around a theme of the Word and the Word is a foundation. It is the rock upon which we stand. The Word for us is not just the text of the Bible because the Word is a living word. It is Jesus Christ because the Word was made flesh and dwelt amongst us. The Word is with us and He pitches his tent as we come together at Synod to speak together, to listen together and to become church together. We also come to Synod around Eucharist. The Eucharist is the high point of all our lives as Catholics, because He said: ‘Whenever you do this, you do this in memory of me’. The Eucharist is about keeping the memory of Jesus alive. The sacred memory of Jesus is kept alive by the Eucharist. We also come around Service because we are not a people who turn in on ourselves. We are a church which goes out to the wider society and because we go out, we look for the poor, the destitute and the people on the margins. We want to know how we can help, how can we serve and how can we bring lives to be better. Word, Eucharist and Service are the three big themes of our Synod. As we come to Synod, we hear the Gospel reading and it says that when the breath of peace was breathed upon the apostles when they received the Spirit, they received also the gift of forgiveness which is the gift of peace. Peace is not simply the absence of war, nor the absence of strife. Peace is having the right relationship with God, the right relationship with yourself, the right relationship with your neighbour and the right relationship with the Creation. When we are in the right relationship, peace breaks out but there can be no peace without communication and without communion. Communication leads to that unity of communion. That unity leads us to peace and that’s what the readings tonight are calling us to. As we come to officially open this Synod, I invite you to dream with me, to dream of a church where everyone is fully alive and their lives are growing and becoming bigger. A church where everyone is developing and has a twinkle in their eyes. A church where there is a sense of joy because people have encountered the risen Lord and have their lives to be given as gift to the risen Lord.

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I dream of a church where we come together as disciples of Jesus Christ and where we do not ask what the cost is anymore but we simply ask what God is asking of us and whatever that is, we are willing to do. The cost is secondary because what we want to know is God’s will in this. When we discern God’s will, we go fearlessly and courageously towards that goal. I invite you to dream with me of a church where we have families on fire with God’s love and where in all the complexity and joy of family life today, families experience what it is to be domestic church and to be the first teachers where children learn the true faith. Where, in that teaching, children learn by their words and the examples of lives. Where, because mom and dad are mature disciples of Jesus Christ, they give that example to the children and so the whole family is nurtured around this example. I dream of a church where we will have great fellowship with great liturgies, but also where we will be incredible neighbours in the communities where we live and become catalysts for change in every community in Barbados, with the poor and lonely, the sick and the aged, making all experience friendship, comfort and consolation because we are a people who see God in the face of the most miserable and deprived on the fringe of our society. Since we recognise the face of God there, we will go there. That is where we will be found and we will be known as a church of service and love, a church which breathes compassion and mercy to all God’s people. I invite you to dream with me of a church where we come together, where we are joyful in coming, joyful in serving, joyful in the reading of the Word, joyful in the celebration of the Eucharist and where our lives are being transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity in these next few days to allow the Spirit to do whatever the Spirit wants in our lives and the life of this church. With this I say: ‘Send forth your Spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the ‘earth’. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

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The Journey to Synod 2014 THE JOURNEY FROM 2011 TO 2014 AND BEYOND

Year One (2011-12): Pastoral Initiative

Al All 8 Overnights 4 one day Launch Parishioners Priests pastoral Pastoral 3 wishes planning Initiative sessions

Year Two (2012-13): Pastoral Initiative Dreams for ourselves, Forming Revitalizing Launching the Parish Parish the Parish the Parish and the Mission organising Pastoral Plan Church Teams for Mission

Year Three (2013-14): Pastoral Initiative Highlighting Launching the Major Forming Planning for Synod with Pastoral Synod Synod all detail challenges Committee October plans July facing Parish 2014 2014 and church

Phase Two (2014-19): Synod Mandate

Synod Structuring Parish Resolutions Implementation Implementation Parish and teams with and Review to give Diocese to concrete plans direction to implement for Synod the Church Synod Implementation

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Synod Papers Of The Three Pastoral Priorities: Word Fr. Vibert Stephens and Ms. June Ann Pinkerton

In the next five years on the Book and its use in the Church and on the Word of God will be the Person of whom the inspired writers of the bigger than we think. Book speak. The foundation of the A Brief Development Synod within the family of God is based on three Pertaining to the Word of God Vatican II (1962- main pillars: Word, 1665), made one of the most extraordinary Eucharist and Service. statements when it declared that “Scripture is Fr. Vibert Stephens These are not separate the soul of theology.” Pope Leo XIII in His items but are intrinsically connected in order Encyclical Providentissimus Deus (1893) “The to foster authentic Catholic identity. While God of All Providence”, rejects the modern the Holy Eucharist is the high point of our interpretations which reject the inspiration of Christian worship, the Word of God stirs our Scripture and attempt to reduced Jesus to just an hearts to receive Jesus who has transformed ordinary man. Fifty years after this famous work, bread and wine into his body and blood. The Pope Pius XII (1943), Divino Afflante Spiritus Holy Eucharist nourishes and prepares us in “Inspired by the Holy Spirit”, encouraged this present life for His Heavenly Banquet. Catholic Scholars to translate the original Word and Eucharist equip us for Service within languages, Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into the family of God and society. This paper will the vernacular and to apply the modern critical focus on the first pillar the Word of God. It will approaches to study the Bible; while respecting examine not just a brief background to some its literary genre and the Apostolic tradition. of the development pertaining to the Word of This means that in order to understand the Word God in the Church, but it will also show that the of God, scholars do not have to interpret it in the Word of God has a wider scope than the written same way. They were encouraged to respect the Word. The Word of God is bigger than we think. genre of each inspired text. Vatican II however If Jesus is our focus when we speak of the Word, gave the watershed on Scripture since in one then we open ourselves to create a larger vision of the most important documents Dei Verbum about the Word of God that will take the Church “The Word of God”, the Fathers encouraged on a journey five years and beyond. Our focus is prayerful reading and familiarity with the Word therefore two dimensional. It will say something because it is here Jesus is encountered. The

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Church also continues to affirm the Pontifical the disciples and how everything changed when Biblical Commission where competent persons they recognized the Risen Lord. All these show have a responsibility as believing exegetes, to how important it is to know the Word of God take an official stand on particular interpretation but even more to know Jesus Christ. It was St and to determine how far interpreters could go. Jerome who said that “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”. Several other documents expressed the need for the faithful to have a familiarity and an The Word of God is Bigger than we think. encounter with the Word. St. Pope John Paul II made several statements on the Word and In the Caribbean when most of us speak about two are outstanding. On the 25th Anniversary the Word of God, we assume that everybody of Dei Verbum and on the Interpretation of the knows that we are talking about the Bible. Bible, he saw the Media as the key to spread the In our Catholic tradition however we speak Message of Christ with its highest human and about the Word of God on two levels. The first spiritual values to a broader audience. It is for dimension of the Word is a written document him a hermeneutical or interpretative effort of called the Bible that we have received. The finding new ways for Revelation and the media Bible consists of both Old and New Testament to meet, with deep respect for the truth and the books that are considered to be written by hope of bearing abundant fruit. human hands but inspired by God and accepted and used in the Church as a rule of faith. This The XII Ordinary General Assembly: “The collection is known as the Canon of Sacred Word of God in the Life and the Mission of the Scripture. We come in contact with the written Church” (2008), states that the Word of God Word in various ways, especially in the Liturgy needs to be given greater priority in the life on a Sunday and during the week. In particular and mission of the Church. It also states that the liturgy is the school of Sacred learning in the faithful need to know the Word especially which we experience the Mystery of Salvation during the Sunday Liturgy when they will through the Word and Sacrament. The written have a sense of the Mystery. Pope Benedict Word reflects the various ways in which the XVI (2010) on Verbum Domini, “The Word of Jews and later the earliest believers in Jesus the Lord” makes the most profound statement recorded their testimony of how God has saved when he says that the Word of God must inspire them. Their writing is therefore testimonies of all Pastoral Life. The Word is the Good News Salvation and for the Christians, Salvation in who is proclaimed and the faithful must have Jesus. a renewed encounter with Him. The Synod on the New Evangelization, the Bishops of The Word, although written in different cultural Latin America and the Caribbean, met in settings, also speaks to us in our own time. We Brazil and Martinique, and emphasized the therefore prayerfully enter into conversation importance of the Word. Pope Francis, (2013), with the living God. The Word that we listen Evangelii Gaudium on “The Joy of the Gospel”, to has its empowering and transformative force emphasizes the importance of meditation and in the Holy Spirit. It questions us about our life proclamation of the Word. In other addresses he and shows us how to live according to divine also emphasizes the importance of the Word in values. When we come in contact with this Salvation History and in the Person of Jesus. Our written Word we experience grace and mercy Bishop Gordon in His Pastoral Letter (2014), and we can do nothing but surrender in total “Their Eyes Were Opened” (2014), stresses the adoration before the Lord. Whenever we come importance of the Word burning in the hearts of to the written Word there is a certain continuity

Page 20 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown and newness because we hear in a new way what Jesus could be encountered. The early church we have missed in previous encounters. This fathers have provided us with a variety of ways encounter with the Word therefore presents us to encounter the Lord in His Word and we can with ever new, ever freshness in our prayerful start by prayerfully reading the Word in all our conversation with God. The written Word is activities. This is called Biblical Animation. therefore bigger than we think. Another was to start by using the method called Lectio Divina. It is sacred reading. It is The second dimension of the Word transcends the a choice of reading the sacred text that allows Sacred Book. God is dynamic and unrestricted. us to do two things: reflect theologically of the He cannot be restricted to the Book even though human experience of sin and grace, while at the the Book is a standard testimony of His love. same time entering into a prayerful dialogue at St. John tells us that the Word of God was in the different levels to facilitate a deeper encounter beginning. This means that as Catholics our faith with the Living Lord. The Word is bigger than is not restricted to the Book only but is centered we think. on Christ who was with God and became a human being and lived among us. Central to our Conclusion faith is a Person and the Book bears testimony to this person. The Book is a form of Revelation The Word will be bigger than we think if we were and dialogue between God and human beings to take the Word and read it both individually and has a central place in the life of the Church and collectively. It will provide us with the but the Book points us to Jesus the living One opportunity not only to learn of sin and grace who has brought us Salvation. The Word of but will help to transform our lives through its God is therefore about an encounter with the divine values and help us to bear much fruit in Living Lord who continues to reveal Himself our family and society. Even greater still is Jesus in Person and in the written Word. The story of who stands alive and active in our midst. It is Salvation is about a God who comes to us all He who empowers us to embrace God’s gift of the time in the Person of the Risen Lord and Salvation that He brought for us and the whole the Sacred Writing is a testimony to Him. While world. With the Word and Eucharist and better the Book when read and proclaim comes alive still the Sacraments taking their rightful place for us, Jesus also shows Himself as the Living in the lives of our Catholics, we will become and abiding Word among us. If we grasp these greater witnesses of faith in our society. The two dimensions about the Book and the Person, Word of God is bigger than we think. then we will learn the many ways in which

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Eucharist Fr. Charles Dominique O.P. and Sr. Susan Gopaul O.P.

This sharing is inspired by our Bishop and the document he wrote on the Eucharist earlier this year entitled “Full Conscious Active Participation in Faith and Life through a Deep Encounter with Christ and Others”. This is where we want to go in the next five years so that everyone who comes to our Eucharistic celebrations has full conscious active participation in faith and life through a deep encounter with Christ and others. This is necessary to celebrate the Eucharist and the liturgy that is a living experience, rich in content, and cannot be really understood apart from really participating in the Fr. Charles Dominique liturgy. Since Vatican II, the church has gone through reform, making some changes to the liturgy. When our Bishop published his pastoral letter “Their Eyes Were Opened”, he explained what is meant when the church talked about the Eucharist as the ‘source and the summit’ of Christian life. He explained source as that which the Christian draws to life as a disciple and summit as that to which the Christian is drawn. He also explained that food for the journey is to keep us on our way as we experience our Christian life. We journey hopefully in a life of grace and hope that one day we will reach that destination to be fully one with God. A problem that we face and experience in our diocese, like most other dioceses, is that many people do not understand what the Eucharist is and how the celebration of it happens. So, for many people, it’s an occasion or something that they go to instead of having an experience of the Eucharist and communion -- not just the experience of the body and blood of Christ but also the communion we experience coming together as one body. “Word, Eucharist and Service” is therefore a progression. We are first fed by the Word of God that we experience. The Eucharist we experience as the food for the journey. It gives us the food that we need to be of Service to our brothers and sisters. What we are hoping to achieve over the next five years is that when we have our Eucharistic celebrations, they will lead and help us as Catholic faithful to connect our souls, hearts and minds so that we will have full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy which means that when we come to celebrate the Eucharist, not only are our bodies present but our minds are present as well. To participate means that we have to be conscious of what we are doing and that we are actively involved in the celebration of the Eucharist. That it is not simply something we go to or something to be done but that the Eucharist is a really an experience of God’s people coming together in community to not only be strengthened in their faith but also to be nourished by this food so that they can then go and live out their faith in the world. The church has a two-fold responsibility and role to play. First of all, to provide the opportunity for the celebration of the Eucharist and then, secondly, to provide the right kind of atmosphere in which individuals can express themselves through full, active and conscious participation. So the central issue that is being expressed is that there is a lack of understanding and devotion to the Holy Eucharist that makes it difficult for the transmission of faith to our children. Of course, we know that our children are not only the future but they are also the present. They are the ones through whom the faith is carried on. Therefore it is essential that they are taught from early what

Page 22 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown is needed for their faith journey so that they can come to the source which is Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. As we move forward with all persons working for the same outcome, we have to have an understanding that ultimately when we gather to celebrate the Eucharist, we do not gather alone but we come as individuals and we gather in the presence of God and each other. Our liturgies are ones of awe, mystery, reverence, thanksgiving, praise. Everything about our liturgical celebration must reflect this because we come to God as church. We come to God as a church of sinners and the fact that God forgives, accepts and love sinners places our Eucharist and our liturgical assembly under a fundamental obligation to be honest and unpretentious without deceit or affectation in all it does. What we are trying to achieve is full, active and conscious participation in the liturgy in our Eucharistic celebration. It draws out from us what is beautiful, despite our failures, even as the beauty in the liturgy draws us out of ourselves to encounter God in Word, Sacrament and other persons. When we gather as church to celebrate the Eucharist, we gather as the mystical body of Christ and we understand this to mean all individuals gathering together as the body of Christ in the world. As we advance into the future, our liturgies can either be real experiences of worship or they can just be places where we gather without any real connections to each other or to God. Where we don’t really experience community or unity, there is a lot of work to be done. This is where our Diocesan liturgical team will come in, along with the priests and other lay faithful. We all have the responsibility of creating the opportunities and environment that will ensure the liturgies in our Diocese are of the highest standard and that it resonates in the minds and hearts of every person. What we have begun today is a work in progress and it will never end because liturgy and the Eucharist never end. Hence we need people who are willing and have a desire to truly give the best to God and, in every celebration of the Holy Eucharist, we must give our best to God. Our future is really in our hands. We would love to have our Eucharistic celebration to be such that when people come to celebrate, they are doing so with their minds, hearts and bodies. Full, conscious, active participation that helps us to live out our lives of faith and, because of our lives of faith, it also helps us to give of ourselves in the celebration of the Eucharist. In the words of our Bishop in his first letter “Lord, Increase Our Faith” in 2012: “We choose to close our eyes and hearts to the truth to the mystery of God. Eucharist requires faith; it is not always appealing or stimulating but it is always the complete offering of Christ in giving his body and blood in his sacrifice on Calvary. No matter how appealing or unappealing, how stimulating or boring we may perceive it to be, it is always an offering of love, the highest expression of love a human family has ever known. If we truly believe this in our liturgies, our Eucharistic celebrations could never be less than a joyful celebration involving all the senses with music that is relevant to both the sacredness of the rite and cultural sensitivity of our people, with homilies that are well prepared and open to God’s Word for the faithful to reflect upon, and the Mass may be seen through the dimension of faith will always be vital and life giving; it will be the high point of our week”.

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Service Fr. Andy Nyga and Ms. Glenda Medford

Catholics belong to a The Catholic Church therefore requires the Christ-centered faith laity to fuse their faith and love for Christ, with community which everything they undertake in the secular world recognises the importance and within the Church – that is, to put their faith of service to others. Jesus in action. Catholics are called to care for one came to serve, not to be another and to use their unique God given gifts served, and through his and talents for the good of the community and humble act of washing the world. his disciples’ feet, Jesus Fr. Andy Nyga showed all Christians how Stewardship is a recognition that God is creator he wants them to serve others with love. and giver of everything; it is a commitment to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered; it At our Baptism and Confirmation we said ‘Yes, is being a good manager of everything God has I want to follow Jesus Christ. I want to be a given to us. Christian stewardship is a way of disciple not just for today, but for the rest of my recognising that everything belongs to God and life.’ When we agreed to follow Jesus, we agreed all resources must be used for His glory and the to live according to his values, his teachings, common good. his actions and his words. Through service, Catholics strive to follow the example of Jesus Ultimately the call to preferential love for people and spread his message of love. who are poor and vulnerable, stems from the reality that each of us, no matter our economic Jesus lived in solidarity with, and ministered to status, is created in the image and likeness of people who were poor and vulnerable. Catholic God. We have inherent human dignity and the Social Teaching, one of the Church’s greatest right to life. That means we also have a right to treasures and its best kept secret, teaches us how those things that are necessary to live a dignified to live in community with one another and calls us life, including food and shelter. to live out a ‘preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.’ In the simplest of terms, this means The two greatest commandments are to love God that as a society, we must opt to put the needs and to love your neighbour (cf. Mark 12:29-31). of people living in poverty and in vulnerable These two commandments are inseparable. You situations, first. This is morally connected to cannot fulfill one without the other. As St. John ‘Corporal Works of Mercy’, which should be admonishes, “Whoever claims to love God yet a major part of our parish ministry – namely hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever that we must feed the hungry, give drink to the does not love their brother and sister, whom they thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, have seen, cannot love God, whom they have visit the imprisoned and bury the dead. Indeed, not seen.” (cf.1 John 4:20). all action should be performed under the divine Every Christian lay person must ask himself theological virtue of ‘Charity’ that is infused or herself what he or she can do to participate within us by the Holy Spirit. Charity and justice in Christ’s mission in their parishes and in oblige all men and women to serve the common their communities. With their diversity of gifts good. If one has the right understanding of the and talents, lay people have the opportunity to human person as created by God in community, become instruments of Christ’s presence and then one can build a just society. influence in every corner of the world over every kind of person and in every type of situation. Lay

Page 24 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown persons are unique because they hold a special and choices we make daily. However in order place in the function of human society. They can to improve the social order one must have the affect laws, cultural attitudes, and social systems right relationship with Christ. An encounter in the many places they live and work. Their very with Christ through prayer, the Scriptures or in engagement in secular activities can transform serving the poor and marginalised, helps us to their ordinary work into apostolic work — work see the world through Christ’s eyes. that touches lives and changes hearts. Our time, talents, and possessions are clearly resources The family unit plays an important role that should be shared. in instilling Catholic Social Teaching. It is where children learn how to manage social Stewardship becomes a total way of life and relationships and how to respect the dignity allows us to implement our Catholic Social of others. It is where children learn patience, Teaching. This commitment arises from our sacrifice, generosity, mercy and kindness. The experiences of Christ in the Eucharist. As the lessons we teach our children through our Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “To actions and words, determine whether they will receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ care for the least amongst us and whether they given up for us, we must recognise Christ in the will be committed to work for social justice. poorest, his brethren” (no. 1397). People who use their time talent and treasure for the common good, service of others, and the Pope Francis said, ‘The measure of greatness of protection of creation are good stewards of the a society is found in the way it treats those most gifts that have been given by God and are living in need, those who have nothing apart from their the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. poverty.’ Therefore, whatever Catholics do in When we serve those in need, work for justice society must serve the good of the human person and contribute to charity, we show our love for who is made in the image and likeness of God. our brothers and sisters, as God taught us by His All men must serve the common good; service example. is a way of proclaiming the Gospel. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of How does stewardship help our spiritual these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for journey? Stewardship grows our faith and Me.” (cf. Matthew 25:40). changes our lives; stewardship is a way of life. As we offer our lives back to God in love, he The motive for living our Catholic Social blesses our generosity a hundredfold. In fact, Teaching comes from a desire to show others it is in the giving that we receive. This is an the love Christ has shown us. It is an outcome essential part of what it is to be a believer; being of authentic conversion - the natural response of a believer means walking with the Lord doing a creature transformed by God’s gratuitous love. justice, loving in kindness and living in peace. Social teaching is integral, it is not optional; it In giving, we feel more fulfilled as we grow our applies to every Catholic not just a few. As Pope relationship with God; and we experience joy. Francis reminds us, ‘None of us can think that we are exempt from concern for the poor and for Christian faith requires conversion; a change social justice.’ in who we are, what we do and how we think. Living our faith in the ordinary task of everyday Catholics can be found everywhere in this life is an essential part of what is meant to be a society; therefore Catholic Social Teaching disciple of Christ. Therefore unless the church’s gives Catholics an opportunity to shape the Social Teaching finds a home in the hearts and world. Catholic Social Teaching principles of lives of all of us, we will fall short of what the social justice and the common good will either Gospel requires. be reinforced or torn down by the decisions

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The Way Forward to 2019 THE MOST REV. CHARLES JASON GORDON, PH.D. BISHOP OF BRIDGETOWN LIVING WATER COMMUNITY CENTRE. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2014

We have embarked on a new phase of the journey after Synod 2014. This is unchartered waters for this diocese but we ask God for His Grace and guidance. We have a mandate from the 346 delegates at Synod to move the church in a different direction by fostering mature discipleship. If we consider the RC Diocese of Bridgetown as a house, Word, Eucharist and Service are the three pillars supporting it. These pillars create the theological and spiritual support for three important demographics living in the house – namely the individual, youth and family. The parishes and institutions such as Saint Vincent de Paul, Living Water, Cursillo and so on, can be considered to be the rooms in the house - when they work well they are vital for renewal of all the residents of our house, you, the People of God. The Synod 2014 resolutions are therefore the rules articulated and agreed by the ‘family members’ of the house and provide a clear expectation of what will be done by the family over the next five years – the mission. There will also be a need for a deep cultural change among the family members so that they become participants instead of spectators. This change should be motivated by a deep desire of each member of the family to have an encounter with Christ. The more family members live the mission as set out in the resolutions, the more the culture of the diocese will change for the best. As we implement the resolutions, we will therefore move from being a church of maintenance to a church of mission. However, in order for the resolutions to take root, there needs to be an appropriate framework to ensure the process is sustainable. We need to find the best approaches and programmes to ensure there is maximum participation and impact on family members who are already active in the life of the church, and also to encourage participation by those who do not participate regularly, or at all. However, programmes alone cannot achieve the Synod mandate – it will also be important for each member of our church family to make a personal commitment to open their hearts and mind to have a personal relationship with God, achieve conversion and become a disciple. Transformation and life-change must be the goals of discipleship. Paul teaches us to be transformed by the renewal of our minds, to let the truth in to change us, to reshape us, to move us to a new place. (Romans 12:2) An overarching framework has therefore been created to facilitate the implementation process. Firstly, to ensure that Word, Eucharist and Service continue to be the anchors of our mission, and that there is always a focus on the important family and youth demographic, the following Commissions have been established:

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Biblical Commission (WORD) led by Father Vibert Stephens and June Ann Pinkerton Liturgical Commission (EUCHARIST) led by Father Charles Dominique and Sister Susan Gopaul Stewardship & Development Commission (SERVICE) led by Father Andy Nyga and Glenda Medford Family and Youth Commission led by Father Clement Paul and Omar Squires E LEM NTA P IO M N I D T Biblical Liturgical E O Commission Commission A N (WORD) (EUCHARIST)

Stewardship Family & Development and Youth Commission Commission (SERVICE)

Each Commission has one representative from each parish (except for the Family and Youth Commission which has one representative for Family and one for Youth), and the Commissions are required to develop action plans to implement the resolutions which directly or indirectly relate to their mission. With the Commission operating at both the diocese and parish levels, it is expected that the most suitable programmes will be identified for parish or diocese led implementation. The Synod Implementation Team (‘the Implementation Team’) is chaired by Ms. Glenda Medford and the members are the joint leaders of the Commissions. This Team is mandated to implement the Synod 2014 resolutions in such a way that mature disciples are developed in the diocese. The Implementation Team is therefore responsible for creating an integrated implementation plan of the programmes developed by the Commissions, and for interfacing with the parish pastoral councils for joint implementation of the Synod mandate. The members of the Implementation Team are required to collaborate and support each other’s Commissions, demonstrating the unity and participation that we are called to as Church. The Vision Team is co-chaired by Monsignor Vincent Blackett and Miss May Hinds and includes one representative from each parish. This Team has the mandate to ensure the church achieves its

Page 27 The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown vision by 2019. This will require a change management approach for a deep cultural change across the diocese ensuring that at all levels of the Church, we have the correct people, policies, structures and processes, and everything else necessary to achieve our vision by 2019. The Vision Team will lead the implementation of the resolution dealing with the policies of the church. There are two Councils which are required by Canon law – the Diocese Pastoral Council and the Finance Council. The Diocese Pastoral Council is led by Mrs. Peta-Gay Lee-Brace, and comprises the Parish Pastoral Council Coordinators. This Council is responsible for discussing and evaluating the progress of the implementation of both mission and vision, from a parish perspective. The Finance Council is chaired by Mr. Robert Kirby. This Council will implement the resolutions addressing funding and will ensure the good stewardship of the temporal goods of the diocese, including accounting, risk management (insurance etc), funding, investments and property. The Council will also work with the Implementation Team in producing the Stewardship reports since this addresses both mission and finances. Education in our schools is very important as we mould and shape our young disciples and leaders of the future. There are several Synod resolutions which address education and these will be implemented by the Diocesan Catholic Education Team (DCET) chaired by Rosalind Jackson. DCET was established in May 2012 with a mandate “to support, serve and ensure Catholic formation through excellence in education by providing an effective governance framework for Catholic schools in the diocese.” The leaders of the Synod Implementation Team, Vision Team and Finance Council together form the Leadership Team which I chair. Our clergy will continue to play an important role in ministering to all the People of God during this journey to ensure no one is left behind. A pastor must animate his people and make sure there is salt and light in his people‘s hearts. He must be a man of Hope - the hope of the merciful Father who is keeping watch over the processes in the hearts of His children. The Parish priest continues to be the leader of the Parish Pastoral Council which comprises of eight persons is recommended. The size of the Parish Pastoral Council may vary by parish given the individual needs, but the mission remains the same. As indicated earlier each Parish Pastoral Council will work closely with the Implementation Team in relation to the programmes for its parish.This is a new and exciting time for our diocese, one which requires deep ongoing prayer and the active participation of every Catholic. Implementation of the Synod resolutions is not only the responsibility of the teams identified, but it is our collective responsibility as we seek to grow our people spiritually, and to grow our church. In my experience, if we step out into the deep, He will accompany us and give us fruitful ministry. So let us depend upon Christ as we journey together to realise the Synod mandate and to achieve the vision by 2019.

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Synod Implementation

STEWARDSHIP & BIBLICAL LITURGICAL DEVELOPMENT FAMILY & YOUTH COMMISSION COMMISSION COMMISSION COMMISSION

Fr. Vibert Stephens Fr. Charles Dominique O.P. Fr. Andy Nyga Fr. Clement Paul

Ms. June Ann Pinkerton Sr. Susan Gopaul O.P. Ms. Glenda Medford Mr. Omar Squires Chair: Synod Implementation Team DIOCESAN PASTORAL EDUCATION COUNCIL

Mrs. Rosalind Jackson Mrs. Peta Gay Lee-Brace Chair Chair VISION TEAM FINANCE COUNCIL

Monsignor Vincent Miss May Hinds Mr. Robert Kirby Blackett Co-Chair Co-Chair Chair

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Evaluation Report - Summary

The Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown held its first approval as well. The deliberations held within each Diocesan Synod from October 16th to 19th, 2014. session was also regarded as a positive outcome The format for the convening of Synod 2014 from the Synod, with many welcoming open commenced with an opening mass on the 16th frank discussions. Unfortunately, the majority of October 2014 and ended with a closing mass on the respondents did not respond to the question seeking 19th October 2014. Working sessions were held on to obtain their views on the quality of the Synod. the 17th and 18th October 2014. The event was a However, there were many positives to be noted and special one, being the first ever to be convened in these included a “positive spirit of comradery seen the 44 year history of the Catholic Diocese. over the duration of the Synod. Others noted a high quality of information available and presented, also The goal of the Synod was seen to be the the high standard of discussions achieved. commencement of a proactive process of self- evaluation to determine the effectiveness of the There were some areas for improvement noted Church in implementing its mandate. Furthermore, and suggestions were proposed to enhance future Synod 2014 sought to achieve a revitalization of the events. The key issue was the management of the Diocese through a renewed focus on, and a deeper process for resolutions to be proposed and voted understanding of Word, Eucharist and Service. during the Synod. It was felt that the Synod process could benefit from a decentralized process, where Participation was drawn from a wide cross-section resolutions are discussed and recommended by each of the Church, with representatives from at least parish as a preparatory process for Synod. There seven congregations participating in the Synod. was a view that amendments proposed should build Generally, participants were pleased with the quality on previous resolutions under discussions, and also of Synod-related information available before 16th that resolutions could benefit from a process where October 2014. The number of persons visiting the resolution were seconded before acceptance for Church’s website however, could be improved discussion. given a high number of persons who appeared not to have accessed such information (and resultantly Most positively, an overwhelming majority (95%) did not respond to the question). Participants of the of participants believed that the Synod 2014 added Synod, approved of the Opening Mass and believed significant value to Catholicism in relations to that the Opening remarks by Bishop Jason Gordon achieving Vision 2019. Underlying this belief in the set the right tone for the commencement of Synod contribution the Synod made to achieving Vision dialogue. 2019, was a perquisite need for commitment to be shown by all Catholics for the desired success. This The sessions on Word, Eucharist, Service and view was further strengthened by other participants other presentations were widely approved by those who thought that the introduction of contemporary in attendance. The quality of moderation, for the structures and processes also served to enhance the most part, was met with a corresponding level of implementation process for achieving vision 2019.

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The SYNOD 2014 Logo

When you see the logo for Synod 2014, what immediately comes to mind? Hopefully, three things: Word, Eucharist, Service which constitute the theme of Synod 2014. The logo, pictured above, is a representation of these three pillars of Catholicism that establish the context for Synod 2014 deliberations. “Let’s build a better church together”, the core message driving the process, speaks of the outcome we are seeking to achieve. The open book in the logo represents the Bible, the Word of God, and the basis of the teachings which guide our faith. The church building stands for our diocese and the vibrant flame on the inside represents the Holy Spirit. It is through regular participation in the Eucharist that we are renewed by the Holy Spirit and driven with enthusiasm to serve God and our fellow human beings. Thus, the logo shows our diocese on fire with the Holy Spirit through the Eucharist. The outstretched hands represent our commitment to service. The logo was designed by one of our own, talented young graphic artist Daren Goodridge.

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Fact Sheet

What is a Synod? the church more than 2,000 years ago, Synod 2014 is about making our Diocese more effective for 21st As defined in canon law, a Diocesan Synod is Century ministry and more relevant and responsive an assembly of priests, religious and lay people to a Barbadian society that has undergone drastic representative of the whole diocesan community, change in the last 25 years. who are invited by the Bishop of the diocese to advise him on matters concerning the good of the What guided the decision to convene Synod 2014? entire diocese. Your feedback. Remember the questionnaires Has the Bridgetown Diocese ever held a Synod you were asked to fill out in each parish and other before? forms of engagement over the past three years to obtain your views on various issues? Through these No. Synod 2014 is the first in the 44-year history channels, you provided a lot of valuable information of our diocese. It is fundamentally different to the Bishop, demonstrating that you wanted a better from anything held previously. The fundamental church which was more dynamic and responsive to difference lies in the fact that only a diocesan bishop all of our needs. Synod 2014 is the Bishop’s response can convene a Synod. More importantly, decisions to your call. It provides an historic opportunity to taken at a Synod, once approved by the bishop, are move from idea to action. Our responsibility is to binding and become the law of the diocese. help him build a better church by fully participating in Synod 2014. Why is Synod 2014 necessary? Is Synod 2014 an event? From time to time, it becomes necessary for every serious organization to review how effectively it is Not at all. It is a process with a series of phases carrying out its role and mandate. We are living in a leading to a high point on October 17, 18 and 19 dynamic, early 21st Century environment which is and continuing for five years afterwards. The first constantly changing. These changes have profound phase involved the gathering of information through implications for how organizations do their work. research by the Bishop. After analyzing the findings, Approaches which worked 20 years ago, will no the Bishop took a number of decisions that carried longer deliver the same results today. Synod 2014 forward the process to the current planning and is a recognition of and response to this reality by the execution phase. One important decision was the Bridgetown Diocese. appointment of a multi-skilled Process Core Team comprising Catholics from across the Diocese What is Synod 2014 seeking to achieve? to help him manage the process and bring it to a Guided by the Holy Spirit, Synod 2014 aims to successful conclusion. Synod 2014 will move into revitalize our Diocese through a renewed focus on the delivery phase after October where decisions and deeper understanding of WORD, EUCHARIST taken will be implemented over the next five years. AND SERVICE and the application of these three What has the Process Core Team been doing? pillars of Catholicism in bringing about a more enriching and fulfilling experience of faith for every The Process Core Team, chaired by Miss May Hinds Catholic. Remaining faithful to the unchangeable of the Parish of St. Francis, has been working hard message and mandate which Jesus Christ gave to behind the scenes on several important initiatives.

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These include building capacity in key areas What will happen in October and thereafter? within the Diocese, improving communication, mobilization across the seven parishes, and putting The bishop, clergy, religious and lay representatives other arrangements in place, including supporting from each parish will discuss an agenda that falls the organization of parish assemblies, to ensure the under the overarching Synod 2014 theme of WORD, high point of Synod 2014 in October is a resounding EUCHARIST AND SERVICE. Once approved by success. the Bishop, decisions taken will become law and will be implemented to support improved governance of What are the Parish Assemblies? the Diocese over the next five years. In summary, Synod 2014 is an action-driven process to build a This important activity will see the faithful in each better church for the benefit of us all as we seek to parish come together to discuss and take positions on become more effective witnesses for Christ. issues of interest. Decisions from each assembly will be submitted for possible inclusion on the agenda Where can I get more information? that will go before the high point of Synod 2014 in October. The participation of everyone in the parish Speak with your parish priest. Check your parish’s assemblies is vital. The leadership is especially notice board or bulletin. You can also visit www. interested in hearing the views of our young people catholicbb.org, listen to the Roman Catholic who will take over leadership of the church in the Monthly Report every first Tuesday on Q100.7 FM future. The parish assemblies present an opportunity at 9.30 p.m., or read The Catholic Communicator for everyone to have a say and contribute to building Bulletin. Publication of a special Synod newsletter a better church. Specific details about each parish is also planned. assembly will be made available in each parish.

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Glossary of Terms (TERMS USED IN THE SYNOD 2014 PROGRAMME)

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament - Prayer to wealth, economics, social organization and the role Christ, who is recognized as being truly present of the state. in the Sacrament. During Adoration, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for the people. Consecrated Lay-life - is a stable form of Christian living by those faithful who feel called to follow Authentic Integral Human Development - Jesus Christ in a more exacting way recognized by involves a search for a humanism which will enable the Church. everyone to find themselves anew by embracing the higher values of love and friendship, of prayer and Diaconate - The first order or grade in ordained contemplation. Authentic development is for each ministry. and all the transition from less human conditions to Dispensation - An exemption from the immediate those which are more human. Paul VI. obligation of law in certain case. Biblical Animation of All Pastoral Life - In recent Ecumenism - any interdenominational initiative years the church has called upon all who serve in the aimed at greater cooperation amongst varying faiths. church to breathe the Word of God into their work, It primarily refers to Christian sects engaged in such giving these ministries new life and purpose in Jesus activity. Christ. This “breathing in” or “enlivening” is called “Biblical Animation of all Pastoral Life”, known Encyclicals - a letter sent to the Bishops by the Pope by the initials for its name in Spanish, Animacion to be circulated throughout the world. Encyclicals Biblica de la pastoral (ABP). are pastoral letters written to teach and guide the faithful. The official version of the text is published CCC- Catechism of the Catholic Church - is a in Latin, and the title of the encyclical comes from catechism promulgated for the Catholic Church by the opening words of the first sentence. Pope John Paul II in 1992 Eucharist - a Christian Sacrament generally Catechesis - an education in the faith of children, considered to be a commemoration of the Last young people and adults which includes especially Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared the teaching of Christian doctrine imparted, with his disciples before his arrest and eventual generally by word of mouth. crucifixion. Catechists - are typically lay ministers trained in the Evangelium Vitae - (Latin: “The Gospel of Life”) art of catechesis. is the name of the encyclical written by Pope John Catholic Doctrine - are its beliefs, principles or Paul II which expresses the position of the Catholic teachings. It is through these beliefs or teachings Church regarding the value and sacredness of human that The Church based its practices. life. Catholic Social Teaching - is the body of doctrine Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion - developed by the Catholic Church on matters of in the Catholic Church is, under the Code of Canon social justice, involving issues of poverty and Law, “an acolyte, or another of Christ‘s faithful

Page 34 | The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown - First Sitting of Synod - Official Documents The Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgetown deputed”, in certain circumstances, to distribute Mature Disciples - Are persons who make a Holy Communion. The term “extraordinary” conscious decision to follow Jesus, no matter what distinguishes such a person from the ordinary the cost. They experience a lifeshaping changes in (normal, regular) minister of Holy Communion, mind and heart and commit their very selves to the namely a bishop, priest or deacon. Lord Formation - The process of bringing together Missionaries - Persons sent to foreign countries to the professional, human, spiritual, theological perform religious work. and scriptural dimensions of being catholic into educational intention and practice. It entails New Evangelization - A task entrusted to all the integration of faith and life into a culture of Christians, since it is not only what we say, but also community and relationships. the way we live, that bears witness to the values we profess. Through the process of evangelization, the Lapsed Catholic - is a baptized Catholic who is Church prepares the listener to receive and profess non-practicing, such a person may still identify as a their belief in Jesus Christ, and to live their life as Catholic and remains a Catholic according to canon part of the Christian community. law Permanent Diaconate - The Permanent Diaconate Lectio Divina - (Latin for divine reading) is a is for men who do not plan to become ordained traditional pactice of scriptural reading, meditation priests. The programme is open to both married and and prayer intended to promote communion with un-married men. God and to increase the knowledge of God‘s Word. It does not treat Scripture as texts to be studied, but Prayer Cell - A small group of the faithful who as the Living Word. gather on a regular basis, either in a church, or in a home, to participate in communal pray and spiritual Liturgy - The public official service or worship of enrichment. the church including the 7 Sacraments, the Liturgy of the Hours, Rite and Ceremonies. Protestant - A member of a Western Christian church whose faith and practice are founded on Magisterium - The teaching authority of the Church. the principles of the Reformation, especially in It is sometimes thought that the term Magisterium the acceptance of the Bible as the sole source of applies only to the Pope or to the Vatican, but in fact revelation, in justification by faith alone, and in the it refers to any person or body in the Church who is universal priesthood of all the believers. entrusted with the task of teaching authoritatively. Thus, a bishop has Magisterium over his diocese Sacrament of Charity - The Sacrament of Charity and a Bishops’ Conference has Magisterium over explores the place of the Eucharist in the life of the the area entrusted to its care. The teaching of the Church both the source & summit of her life but Magisterium is one of the key components of also as a way of shedding light on the whole of The Catholic Social Teaching, alongside Scripture, Church’s activity. The Eucharist is to be believed, to theological reflection and the practical application of be celebrated and to be lived. all of these in the daily lives of Catholic Christians. Sacrament of Reconciliation - (commonly called Mass - is one of the names by which the sacrament Confession, or Penance) is the method given by of the Eucharist is commonly called in the Catholic Christ to the Church by which individual men and Church. women may be freed from sins committed after receiving Baptism

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Photo Gallery

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Synod Prayer

Almighty God, we thank you for our Diocese here in Barbados. We ask your blessing on us all for Synod 2014. May we, through your Holy Spirit, listen to each other and as your family, do whatever Jesus tells us to do. As we promote the New Evangelization may our lives be transformed.

As disciples of your beloved Son Jesus, we place our Synod in the arms of Mary our Mother and in the name of Jesus our brother and friend who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit.

Amen 

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