WelCom December 2021
In response to the extension given by the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, the Diocese of Palmerston North has moved the deadline of the Synod’s ‘listening phase’ to 31 March 2022. Submissions are welcome from groups and individuals up until this date. So far, this extension has been well received, especially as many people and communities are only in the early stages of this journey.
We are grateful for over 100 submissions that have already been made from across the diocese and for the work that has been done to invite, encourage and engage in this synodal process. Even as the deadline shifted, it was still our hope to maintain the momentum gained during November and we encourage groups or submissions that are already organised to continue as planned.
Those who have participated in discernment groups have described their experience as invigorating, exciting, and full of promise. Around the diocese people are eager and full of anticipation. It seems many have been waiting for an opportunity like this. This anticipation corresponds well with us having now entered the season of Advent and a new year.
At the same time, this process isn’t without its own challenges and continues to unfold. As a diocese this Synod provides a chance to journey together in a new way and we hope all people will feel they are invited to participate and are aware of this opportunity.
We are hopeful the extra time provided by the extension will enable input from people who we most need to hear from – including those who are baptised but are disengaged from our communities for a variety of reasons, as well as our young people, and groups from diverse cultural backgrounds.
We are looking forward to seeing the opportunities that arise from this extension unfold over the coming months and continuing on this journey together.
By the Palmerston North Diocesan Synodal Team: Teresa Edwards, Isabella McCafferty, Fr Simon Story and Nick Wilson.