SYNOD AND SYNODALITY
Synod is a word derived from synodus, a Greek word meaning assembly. In our Catholic tradition, it’s used to refer to special assemblies—such as the consultative series of gatherings currently underway in our Archdiocese. You might recall kickoff meetings about three years ago, dialed back during the start of the pandemic, and resuming last fall with parish-based events.
This weekend—Pentecost, the “birthday of the Church”—marks the latest stage in our local synod process. Over 500 people from throughout the Archdiocese are gathering at Cretin-Derham Hall for lengthy discussions. Topics include: forming parishes that evangelize, disciples who love and follow Jesus, and young people. Look for a report in a future bulletin.
And synodality? I ran across that term in an article in last November’s issue of Commonweal magazine. Author Austen Ivereigh characterized synodality as “participation and prayerful listening” to everyone in the church, not just priests and bishops.
Pope Francis has called on Catholics worldwide to participate in local synods. As Ivereigh sums up, synodality ensures that “Ordinary people are heard, and recognize themselves as having agency—as missionary disciples, distinct from clergy by function but equal in dignity. . . . Baptism therefore demands that we take part in the life and mission of the Church, in all the diversity of its charisms and ministries.”
Pope Francis’s call reminds me that our St. Matt’s community—a volunteer parish–regularly invites everyone to contribute to our mission to be a visible expression of God’s love.
What do you do each day to express God’s love?
PARISH OFFICE VOICEMAIL
Our office voicemail is still unavailable. To leave a message, please call during office hours (Monday -Thursday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM). You can also reach us by emailing Angela Rakow at . Thank you for your patience while we get the voicemail up and running again.
Leave a Reply