Synod 2021–2023

BY MARK MOITOZA, Th.D.

The Church recently opened a synodal process. It began with the invitation for every diocese to embark on a path of profound renewal as inspired by the grace of the Spirit of God. The Preparatory Document of the Synod, 2021-2023, considers the main question: “How is our ‘walking together’ in synodality realized today in the Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our ‘walking together?’”

A Synod is a journey of discernment in which the people of God are called to pray and reflect upon the Holy Spirit’s will for the Church. Then, through listening and sharing, the faithful seek to understand the Holy Spirit’s will for the topic being discussed – and thus, for the Church.

The current synodal process began in Rome in early October 2021. The following weeks found dioceses around the world beginning a listening phase that “will integrate the Synodal Process into the life of the local Church in creative ways that promote and deepen communion, fuller participation, and a more fruitful mission.” This listening phase has been extended until 15 August 2022.

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The process of exploring ways of ‘walking together’ began virtually in the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, with the facilitation of an online convocation of catechists held on Tuesday, 19 October 2021. At 6:00 am and 2:00 pm, that gathering was held twice to connect with over 120 ministry leaders on U.S. military installations throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia.

Resources to implement the Archdiocesan phase of the synod are now available on the website of the Archdiocese for the Military Services. This is not just the laity sharing their perspective with the clergy or vice versa. Rather it is a genuine, respectful opportunity for all to listen to what the journey has been like and where that journey is leading through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Special emphasis notes the desire to seek insights from the unaffiliated, the disaffiliated, and those living on the margins. The focus of these local discussions will center upon Communion, Participation, and Mission.

Each person may begin with a prayerful reflection. Then, writing down a narrative of one’s own faith story and journey with the Church will help to identify themes and insights over time. This simple journal exercise enables us to recognize our view of faith and the ways in which we have sought to take our place in the Church.

Military Catholic faith community and archdiocesan diocesan gatherings of the synod in the coming months are not the places to read those personal narratives as simple testimonies. Instead, such gatherings afford opportunities to hear what paths are opening in local churches. Those synthesized insights will be forwarded to the archdiocese and then forwarded to the United States Conference of Catholic

Bishops. Each time key elements will be synthesized and finally sent to the Holy See to become part of the working document that prepares for the Synod gathering. Keep the synod process in your prayers and look for ways to be part of the discussion where you live and serve.

Learn more about the Synod on Synodality by visiting the AMS website: milarch.org/synod

The Prayer of the Synod for the diocesan phase: Adsumus Sancte Spiritus. Attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (560-636), it has been traditionally used at Councils and Synods for hundreds of years. The version below was specifically designed for the Church’s Synodal journey from 2021 to 2023. V

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

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“Serving Those Who Serve” “May you be strengthened by your faith in the birth of the Son of God and may you be surrounded by loved ones and special traditions. Coupled with these good wishes, I pray that your Christmas time may be rich in blessings.” – Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio