Discussion on the Consultation of People of God by the Assembly of Bishops in Synod 2021-2023 Questionnaire
The theme of the Synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” The three dimensions are profoundly interrelated. They are the vital pillars of a Synodal Church.
First and foremost, synodality denotes the particular style that qualifies the life and mission of the Church, expressing her nature as the People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. Synodality ought to be expressed in the Church’s ordinary way of living and working.
In this sense, synodality enables the entire People of God to walk forward together, listening to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, to participate in the mission of the Church in the communion that Christ establishes between us. Ultimately, this path of walking together is the most effective way of manifesting and putting into practice the nature of the Church as the pilgrim and missionary People of God.
The entire People of God shares a common dignity and vocation through Baptism. All of us are called in virtue of our Baptism to be active participants in the life of the Church. 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. As the Church embarks on this synodal journey, we must strive to ground ourselves in experiences of authentic listening and discernment on the path of becoming the Church that God calls us to be.
The Fundamental Question
A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” How is this “journeying together” happening today in your local Church (diocese, parish, community, etc.)? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?
There are 10 Themes in the Consultation – divided into three parts: Communion, Participation, and Mission.
Part 1 : COMMUNION
1. Companions on the journey
Belief : In the Church and in society we are side by side on the same road (faith, moral, environment, education and other aspects).
2. Listening
Belief : Listening is the first step, but it requires an open mind and heart, without prejudice.
3. Speaking out
Belief : All are invited to speak with courage and parrhesia, that is, freedom, truth, and charity.
4. Celebration
Belief : “Walking together” is only possible if it is based on communal listening to the Word and the celebration of the Eucharist.
Part 2 : MISSION
5. Sharing responsibility for our common mission
Belief : Synodality is at the service of the mission of the Church, in which all members are called to
participate.
6. Dialogue in Church and society
Belief : Dialogue requires perseverance and patience. While dialogue requires keeping silent and
enduring suffering, it enables us to learn from the experience of people from different culture and
race.
7. Ecumenism
Belief : The dialogue between Christians of different confessions, united by one baptism, has a
special place in the synodal journey.
Part 3 : PARTICIPATION
8. Authority and participation
Belief : A synodal church is a participatory and co-responsible Church.
9. Discerning and deciding
Belief : In a synodal style we make decisions through discernment of what the Holy Spirit is saying
through our whole community.
10. Forming ourselves in Synodality
Belief : Synodality entails receptivity to change, formation, and on-going learning.
Are there any other points you want to make in relation to the above 10 themes?
Members are encouraged to attend the workshops relating to the Consultation Questionnaire, to understand the contents and respond to the Questionnaire through spiritual discernment under the promptings of the Holy Spirit. The whole Legion of Mary should learn together discerning through the Legionary spirit, and hoping that a new face will appear – a new face led by the Holy Spirit. We should learn how to form ourselves in synodality and discern through the Holy Spirit.
Spiritual Director
Fr. Francis Tam
19 December 2021