The Synod Process

What is a Synod? What is the purpose? What is a Listening Church? What is the Synod process? Quotes below are from Archbishop Hebda’s • The pre-Synod process has been • The pre-Synod process began fall 2019 June 6, 2019 article in The Catholic Spirit. Find the designed to engage in a ”sincere and engaging the People of God — laity, full article at www.archspm.org/synod. respectful ‘mutual listening’ in which clergy, consecrated men and women everyone has something to learn.” and bishops — all walking together • “A Synod is a formal representative at the personal, parish, deanery, and assembly designed to help a bishop in • “Moreover, it is not just listening to one Archdiocesan levels. his shepherding of the local Church.’’ another but to the Holy Spirit, the ‘Spirit of Truth’ (Jn 14:17), to know what the • The process culminates in the • The purpose is ‘’to discern and establish Spirit is ‘saying to the Churches’ Archdiocesan Synod Assembly to be clear pastoral priorities in a way that will (Rev. 2:7).” held Pentecost weekend, June 3-5, both promote greater unity and lead us to 2022, followed by a Pastoral Letter a more vigorous proclamation of Jesus’ leading to a Pastoral Plan. good news.”

Year 1 (2019-2020): Year 2 (2020-2021): Year 3 (2021-2022): The Church Listens The Church Prepares The Church Engages

Prayer and Listening Events Praying with Scripture Fall 2021: Parish Consultation Process • 30 Prayer & Listening events (19 • Five-part video series on praying with Small Groups open and 11 focus) held and with scripture and growing in • Small groups meet in every parish to attended by Archbishop Hebda. holiness, including 25 prayer learn, pray, and discuss the focus areas. companions with reflections. • Over 8,000 faithful attended providing • Parish feedback on the focus areas will over 35,000 comments on what is Healing and Hope help inform the Deanery consultation. working well in the Archdiocese and • Five-part video retreat to encounter challenges and opportunities as we Jesus’ love and mercy to bring January/February 2022 move forward together. healing and hope and to provide Deanery Consultation Process resources for next steps. Synod Focus Areas • Pastors and parish representatives • Based on this feedback, along with Faith and Culture gather one Saturday to learn, pray, and other consultations and discernment, Videos with expert teachers, discuss the focus areas. Archbishop Hebda determined the testimonials, and panel discussion on • Deanery feedback will help three focus areas that will shape the four topics: determine the Synod topics. Year 3 Consultation process. • Sources of Catholic teaching, June 2022: Archdiocesan Synod 1. Forming parishes that are in the • Sexual morality and the family, service of evangelization, • The dignity of women, and Assembly (Pentecost Weekend): 2. Forming missionary disciples • The priesthood (both baptized and • Approximately 500 appointed delegates who know Jesus’ love and ordained). (including two from each parish) gather respond to his call, and Synod at Home to learn, pray, and discuss the Synod 3. Forming youth and young Five-part video series to create a faith topics and recommend pastoral priorities adults in and for a Church that plan to live as an intentional disciple to Archbishop Hebda. is always young. based on four pillars: • After considering the Synod recommen- • Prayer & sacraments, dations, Archbishop writes a Pastoral • Lifelong learning, Letter (November - Feast of Christ the • Generosity & service, and King) leading to a Pastoral Plan to move • Traditions & fun. our Archdiocese into the future. All these free resources are available at Join a archspm.org/synod.com Synod small group at your parish this fall! See reverse side for details.

Join a Synod Small Group at your Parish this Fall!

How will Synod small groups work?

• Purpose: Small groups of approximately 8 people will gather to learn, pray, and discuss the Synod focus areas. – Learn: Discover what the Church teaches in What will be discussed in today’s cultural context. the Synod small groups? – Pray: Listen and reflect upon how the Holy Spirit is guiding you and your small group. – Discuss: Share insights into the focus areas • Three Focus Areas: Small groups will discuss the from your own prayer and experience. 3 focus areas that arose from feedback given in • Facilitation: A trained facilitator will promote a the Prayer and Listening events. meaningful and charitable dialogue between group – Focus area #1: Forming parishes that are in the members. service of evangelization. • Feedback: A trained scribe will document the – Focus area #2: Forming missionary disciples group’s reflections on the Synod focus areas, who know Jesus’ love and respond to his call. which then will be provided to your parish and – Focus area #3: Forming youth and young adults Archbishop Hebda. in and for a Church that is always young. • Location/Dates: Small groups will meet weekly at parishes across the Archdiocese for 6 sessions See archspm.org/synod to read Archbishop Hebda’s between September 19 and November 14. August 13, 2020 article in the Catholic Spirit for more details. Each meeting will last 2 hours.

Why should I participate How can I join a in a Synod small group? Synod small group?

• Help Archbishop Hebda move the Archdiocese • Open invite small groups at your parish forward. – Come alone or with others and the parish will build – Ideas generated in small groups will assist a group for you. All are welcome! Archbishop Hebda in determining the – Registration may be encouraged but not required. Archdiocesan Synod Assembly topics. – Watch for more details regarding dates/times at – Those topics will guide Archbishop Hebda as he your parish. creates the Pastoral Plan for the future of the • Existing small groups Archdiocese. – Already in a small group at your parish? Meet with • Discover more about the Catholic Faith with your group using the Synod small group materials your Church community through small groups. and provide feedback. – Build strong fellowship and community, – Contact your parish for more information. connecting you with Christ, others, and your parish. Your parish may offer additional types of Synod small groups. – Dig deeper into the focus areas by examining

Scripture, Church teaching, and today’s cultural context. – Share how God has worked in your life and the Be a part of something bigger! life of others. Join the Catholic family gathering in every parish throughout this Archdiocese to participate in the first Synod in over 80 years. Don’t miss this historic moment!