People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church: Next Steps for Synod in 2024 Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm

 

People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church: Next Steps for Synod in 2024 Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm 

 

People’s Catholic Seminary Forum Presents: Growing Together in Dialogue, Discernment and Decisions as the Synodal Church: 

Next Steps for Synod in 2024 

Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities, March 12, 2024, 1pm-2pm 

Facilitators: Bridget Mary Meehan and Joan Pesce

Welcome and Opening Prayer: Joan Pesce

Highlights from Synthesis Report in Part 3: Weaving Bonds, Building Communities

 Bridget Mary Meehan

Formation for a Synodal Church Includes: 

-theology, and “the exercise of co-responsibility, listening, and discernment; ecumenical and interreligious dialogue, service to the poorest and care for our common home.”

- “discernment processes, conversation in theSpirit, consensus- building and conflict resolution.” 

Matters for Consideration include 

-Sexual education that integrates a “more mature synthesis” between psychology and theology.

-the People of God in formation programs for ordained ministry.

Proposals include:

-Women in formation programs of ordained ministers.

-Adequate standards and processes for selecting candidates for ordained ministry

-Formation for ordained ministries rooted in life of Christian community.

-Exercise of authority appropriate in a synodal Church

Ecclesial Discernment and Open Questions:

-Dialogue incorporating science, theology, experience on issues related to sexuality and “bodiliness.”

-Issues on identity and sexuality, end of life, marital situations raise new questions and require further study.

-Theological reflection that starts with daily experience of God’s Holy People and places itself at its service.

Proposals include:

-Initiatives on controversial doctrinal, pastoral and ethical issues should “involve people directly affected by the matters under consideration.” 

Towards a Listening and Accompanying Church:

-The Church needs to listen victims andsurvivors of sexual abuse by clergy. 

-People excluded because of marriage status, identity or sexuality should be heard.

 

-Listening to the excluded enables the Church to understand the point of view of the marginalized and to place itself concretely attheir side.

-Small Christian communities foster listening practices of, and amongst, the baptised. We are called to expand and adapt to urban contexts.

Mission in the Digital Environment: Matters for Consideration:

-Catholic educational institutions used online platforms during lockdowns and continue to do so.

-How can the Church” unleash new energies for new forms of mission?”

-Church should accompany “digitalmissionaries”, and facilitate networkingamongst them.

-Create collaborative networks of influencersfrom other religions/beliefs to promote human dignity, justice, and care for our common home.

Structures of Participation-Matters for Consideration:

-All the baptized should be involved in processes and decision-making in the Church. 

-“We are encouraged by many small communities in the emerging Church, who live the closeness of the day-to-day around the Word of God and the Eucharist.”

Proposals:

-Recommend legislating for the obligatory nature of Pastoral Councils in Christian communities and local churches. 

-Given the variety of charismatic andministerial gifts of the People of God, howdo we integrate the tasks of advising, discerning, and deciding in the variousparticipatory bodies?

Questions for Reflection: Joan Pesce

Time for Prayerful Dialogue and Discernment :

 Proposals for Decisions on Next Steps for Report to Vatican in preparation for Synod in 2024

Summary Report: Bridget Mary and Joan Pesce