The theme of the upcoming 16th Synod of Bishops is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”. Synodality indicates walking together and listening to one another but above all to the Holy Spirit. To deepen this essential characteristic of the Church, the upcoming synod is unlike any previous one. It starts with, and involves all the faithful at local Churches across the world, promising to listen to all, especially to laypeople. That is why this Synod is a 2-year process, starting from October 10, 2021, to October 2023.
Listening sessions:
Resurrection: we will have “drive-through meetings” using the same format as used for receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation on Friday evenings. At Resurrection, members of the Parish Council will be assigned as listeners. Council members report monthly on groups and ministries they are assigned to; therefore, they will gather their contacts and invite them into a sharing circle.
Riderwood: we will have posted office times available for people to come and visit, where there will be two or three listeners. It’s one person or a couple at a time for five minutes or less.
Dates and times for both locations will be announced soon.