I know the big question on everyone’s mind is “what is the Synod on Synodality?” The Church is calling us “To involve more actively the whole church at local, national, and continental levels through a process of “listening and discernment” on the important themes of synodality: “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission.” The key concept of this “listening” or “synodal” process if found in the Greek origin of the word “synod”, comprising “syn” (with or together with) and “hodos” (path or way), meaning “journeying together along the same path.” As we reflect on the concept of synodality, it is important to remember that the concept stands out as a method. Synodality is not an end in and of itself. More precisely, synodality is a method of governing the church and a method of fulfilling its mission. So, it is important to consider that the term synodality is not used in isolation, rather synodality comes together with communion, participation, and mission. [1]
Perhaps a better way of summarizing all that is “the intension is not only to learn synodality through practice, but also to bring about a synodal conversion of the Church." [2]
Now you might be wondering, what does this mean for St. Austin’s? We’ll be sorting out the details in the next few weeks but we’ll have some “town hall” type meetings, an online survey, and possible other ways of giving you the chance to participate. Over the next weeks, I’ll be sharing more about the synodality process within our parish.
We also envision this process as being in two phases. The Diocese has given us a rather short timeline for the parish phase of the process. We will extend the synod process well past the diocesan deadline to allow fuller participation and deeper discussions about the future of the parish.
I ask your prayers for myself and others who will be assisting me in this important work that the Church is asking of all the People of God. May we be open to the fruits which the Holy Spirit will gift to us through this process.