COMMUNION, PARTICIPATION AND MISSION

Recently, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, inaugurated a universal synod he characterized as “A Journey of Spiritual Discernment”, in which the entire church is invited to participate in order to determine how best to define and assert Catholic and Christian Faith in the modern world. Communion, Participation and Mission are the main themes of this journey that all in the church are asked to travel during these next two years.

A few weeks ago Bishop Fisher opened the Synod in our own Diocese which requires us to listen intently, engage with all who wish to express their view, and to make known the many views and insights in what will be our Diocesan report to the Holy See in 2023, culminating in a major convocation of bishops from around the world at the Vatican.

Pope Francis has challenged us first and foremost to listen. It is the act of listening that enables us to discern and to act with the intention to respond to the Gospel of Christ in ways that make a difference and are experienced in everyday life. The Synod is an invitation to journey together and define new ways to assert the power of Christ’s Gospel and teachings in our own day and time with the many gifts that are available in the Body of Christ.

This will be an opportunity to identify ways to collaborate better and make better use of the vast resources that exist in our many parishes for the benefit of those who may need what others have to offer. This is essentially what the Road to Renewal is all about. It is also what the Synod aims to achieve; a clearer definition of Catholic faith and ministry to serve the abundant needs around us.