Pope Francis has called a Synod Assembly with the theme For a Synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission.
The word ‘synodality’ means “walking together”. We, the People of God, are invited to reflect together on what this mutual journey means for us and for our Church. This call is for every baptised person.
“The Holy Father wants to hear the voices of all the baptised. He believes the time is ripe for a wider participation of the people of God in a decision-making process that affects the whole Church and everyone in it.” (Cardinal John Dew)
DIOCESAN PHASE
October 2021 – June 2022
Everyone in the Archdiocese of Wellington is invited to participate in the first phase of this global Synod consultation process. The objective of this phase is to consult the People of God so that all the voices are heard. If you are reading this, we want to hear from you!
There will be various ways in which you can participate in this process. In the spirit of synodality, people are encouraged to join a group to share with others. If this is not possible, an individual submission is also welcome. The response should be the product of prayerful reflection. Visit the Synod page for more information on the Synod questions, the suggested process of prayerful discernment, and how you might participate.
“…we are all invited to listen to one another in order to hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit,
who comes to guide our human efforts, breathing life and vitality into the Church and
leading us into deeper communion for our mission in the world.”
(Synod Vademecum 1.2)
The Diocesan Phase will take place between October 2021 and February 2022. In the Archdiocese of Wellington responses are invited up until 30th April 2022. After this date they will be analysed and collated into a response from the Archdiocese of Wellington. The New Zealand Bishops will consider responses from the six dioceses at their meeting in February. The six diocesan responses will be sent to the Synod Office in Rome.