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Letter from Msgr. Benwell on the Synod
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Synod 2021 2023Communion Participation Mission -
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Synod of Bishops: Our RoleLetter from Msgr. Benwell: February 9, 2022
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You’ve probably been hearing or reading in the Catholic media lately about the Synod (Syn-id) of Bishops that will convene at the Vatican in October 2023. (This gathering of representatives of the world’s bishops to give counsel to the Pope ordinarily occurs every three to five years.) The theme of the upcoming Synod (the preparation for which is already underway) is: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.
The original meaning of the Greek word “synod” is “journeying together.” Pope Francis believes strongly that a Church that practices synodality—whose members are engaged with each other, who share experiences and challenges and learn from each other—is what is needed for the Church to be renewed and thrive in this 21st century.
The process of synodality begins from the ground up. The 2023 Synod of Bishops will take place in three phases:
- Diocesan, which began in the Diocese of Metuchen last October
- Continental
- Universal
Our diocese will be holding eight listening sessions throughout our four counties from February 18th through the 25th. The closest session for St. Mary’s will be held on Monday, February 21st, at St. James Parish in Basking Ridge. Two sessions will be available: from 1:30 to 3:30 pm and from 7 to 9 pm. Click here to register.
If you are unable to attend the listening session offered by our Deanery, click here, for other available sessions in the Diocese.
Synod listening sessions will happen in a spiritual setting, rooted in meditation on Scripture, liturgy and prayer, and will focus on being an authentic experience of discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit on how the People of God can move forward together in being a more dynamic, united and relevant Church, now and in the long-term.
Registration for listening sessions is requested and can be made via the diocesan website. If you cannot make a listening session in person, you can still participate in the diocesan synod process by answering a questionnaire on the diocesan website: https://diometuchen.org/synod2023
The diocesan website contains much additional information on the 2023 Synod of Bishops and its different phases.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Come, Holy Spirit, renew the face of the earth!
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What is the Synod all about?
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Earlier this year, Pope Francis announced that the XVI Ordinary Synod of Bishops will take place in October of 2023. The theme will be, “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission.” The word "synod" means "journeying together." As Christians, the Holy Father says, we are a people meant to walk together, supporting one another and all humanity.
The two-year Synod process will have three major phases: diocesan, continental and universal. The diocesan/parish phase of the Synod, which began on October 16 with Mass at our cathedral celebrated by Bishop Checchio, was a time for listening and dialogue among the people of our diocese, humbly learning together to how God is calling us to be the Church in the third millennium.
The Synodal listening process will happen in a spiritual setting, rooted in meditation on Scripture, the liturgy, and prayer focused on being an authentic experience of discerning the voice of the Holy Spirit. This synodality provides an opportunity for the entire People of God to discern together how to move forward towards being a more listening and communal Church now and in the long-term.
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