Being a Synodal Church in Mission

Our mission as a Church is given to us by Jesus himself, to continue his work on earth by being in communion with God and with one another.

“Synodality” is best understood as being on the road together, listening to one another and sharing a co-responsibility.  In calling for a synod on synodality, Pope Francis has summoned the entire church and all her members to engage in a process of prayer, encounter, and deep listening to each other. The aim is to discern how the Holy Spirit is prompting us to move forward as a community of faith and extend the mission of Jesus Christ to a world that is so much in need of his healing and transformation.

At this time Cardinal Cupich is asking for your input into the process for another Synod in Rome later this year.  We are asked to answer the question “HOW CAN WE BE A SYNODAL CHURCH IN MISSION?” 

We want to hear from all corners of our community, including our ministry groups, those who come to Mass and feel alone, our families, young people, divorced and separated parishioners, and anyone open to sharing. This should be viewed as a “conversation with the Spirit.” From your viewpoint, where is the Holy Spirit leading us in Church formation? 

We invite you to attend one of the following interactive Listening Sessions at either OLH or St. Patrick:

· Tuesday, March 19  7:00-8:00 PM in Slattery Hall (Lower Level of St. Patrick Historic Church)

· Friday, March 22 (after Stations of the Cross) - at Our Lady of Humility Church, 5:30-6:30 PM

You can also send an email of less than 500 words with SYNOD in the Subject line to PARISH@StPatrickWadsworth.org or drop it off at the parish office.  To be included in the aggregate response to the disocese, it must be received no later than Monday, March 18.

Synod is an ancient practice in Christianity. In the Acts of the Apostles (Chapter 15), we hear about Peter and Paul being “welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters” (Acts 15: 4) to listen, discuss, and discern together how to reconcile Jewish and Gentile religious practices.

Thank you for taking  part in the Synod process!

- Valerie Walker, Director of Faith Formation