WelCom April 2017:
(Anne Dickinson)
Preparations are well under way for the Archdiocese Synod to take place over the weekend of 15‒17 September.
In March Cardinal John Dew asked parishes to begin selecting their Synod participants, so people who will take part in the Synod weekend have time to prepare for their role.
The Synod process to be used will be based on reflection and sharing rather than discussion. Participants need to be people who are prayerful and open to the Spirit, as well as reflecting the demographic profile of their parishes. The number from each parish is based on Mass counts, with some adjustments to ensure the smallest parishes have two participants. How the participants are selected is over to each parish.
Cardinal John has made a point that participants are not ‘representatives’ of their parish at the Synod. It is not their role to advocate for their parish. Once selected, they become members of the Synod. The good of the whole Archdiocese – and all its parishes – is their focus and responsibility. They bring their prayerfulness and parish experience to this task.
Priests and lay pastoral leaders will also attend the Synod and all primary and secondary school principals have been invited to participate – reflecting the importance of Catholic education in the Archdiocese.