The “synodal process” that thousands of Catholics in the Archdiocese of Vancouver have just been involved in should serve as a model for future engagement of the faithful, says a report summarizing what they had to say.
More than 5,000 lay faithful, consecrated women and men, and clergy in the archdiocese responded to Pope Francis’ call for a “synodal process” of consultation and listening in the local diocesan phase of the three-year worldwide Synod on Synodality launched by Pope Francis in 2021.
In a foreword to a report summarizing the responses, Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB, said the “synthesis” report emphasizes challenges facing the local Church rather than the strengths of the archdiocese.
The report documenting responses to “a select number of questions that were proposed, and discussed, primarily in hundreds of ‘conversation circles,’” he said, and should be read “within its specific context.”
As such, the report is neither a “state of the archdiocese” document, a presentation of Church teaching, or a strategic plan, he said, but rather “provides a glimpse into the hopes and concerns of many of our brothers and sisters in Christ as they discerned their responses to the questions asked of them.”
The synthesis report “expresses the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of thousands of lay faithful, consecrated women and men, and clergy” and “testifies to the benefits of prayerfully listening and sharing one’s heartfelt concerns about how the Church is living its mission.”
The archbishop thanked everyone who participated in the synodal process, saying, “If it is successful, it will help the People of God to discern prayerfully the signs of the times in the light of our faith so that we can grow in our personal relationship to Jesus Christ and fruitfully serve the mission he has entrusted to us.”
He said the archdiocese “looks forward to continuing the conversation, not just with those who participated in the process, but with all the faithful in our local Church.”
The document will be sent to the Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops and then be forwarded to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The synod coordinators said in light of the “lingering effects of the pandemic” they were “surprised and encouraged by the diverse range and number of participants in the process.”
More than 100 staff and 1,080 students at Vancouver College participated in listening circles. (Vancouver College photo)
Barb Dowding, who was tasked with directing the synod in the Archdiocese, said some parishes that participated in the synod have already made changes as a result of what they heard in parish conversation circles. Some are planning to hold more listening sessions, and she hopes the enthusiasm and participation generated by the conversation circles continue and result in a “a more listening Church.”
A Synod Implementation Group will follow up with parishes to help them develop strategies for responding to the report.
Synthesis Report Summary
More than 80 per cent of parishes participated in the synod, and more than 5,000 people took part, including parishioners from 59 parishes, individuals from 46 movements, groups, organizations, and associations, as well as 206 individuals through online submissions. Many gathered in small groups to share, listen, pray, and reflect together
The faithful were asked what they need for the Church to do better. The conclusions, summarized, were:
1. The synodal process should serve as a model for future engagement of the faithful.
2. Participants expressed hope that the Church would become more welcoming and inclusive, with parishes, movements and groups following through on ideas from the synodal process.
3. Catholics are called to follow the early Church and journey together, respecting our differences.
4. We are called to listen in humility to all the faithful as we carry out the Church’s mission together.
5. We are challenged to model the life of Christ by embracing differences, loving radically, and honouring and supporting each human being at every stage of life.
6. We recognize that the clergy need care, assistance, and support.
7. The Archdiocese should create spaces where marginalized persons feel comfortable.
The next stage of the synod process is the Continental Phase when the Canadian bishops will submit their report to Rome in preparation for the full synod of bishops in October 2023. The CCCB will produce a synthesis of all the reports before a continental phase of consultation between the CCCB and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The national conferences of bishops must have their reports in to the Synod of Bishops in Rome Aug. 15.
With files from The Catholic Register
Archbishop’s Foreword
“What the Holy Spirit is saying to our hearts.”
From October 2021 to June 2022, our local Church journeyed together in a “synodal process” of consultation and listening. This resulting synthesis Report expresses the movement of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of thousands of lay faithful, consecrated women and men, and clergy. It is their response to a limited number of questions that were drawn up to respond to the call of Pope Francis to become engaged in an initiative taking place throughout the Church. The Archdiocese launched a synodal process as our contribution to the Synod of Bishops that will be meeting in Rome in the Fall of 2023.
This Report must be read within its specific context. It documents responses to a select number of questions that were proposed, and discussed, primarily in hundreds of “conversation circles.” The more than 5,000 parishioners who participated represent a small, but significant segment of the Catholics in the Archdiocese of Vancouver. The Report is not, therefore:
- a “state of the Archdiocese” document,
- a presentation of the Church’s teaching, or
- a strategic plan
Instead, it provides a glimpse into the hopes and concerns of many of our brothers and sisters in Christ as they discerned their responses to the questions asked of them. It focuses more on challenges and less on our strengths than a more comprehensive synthesis would provide.
This Report testifies to the benefits of prayerfully listening and sharing one’s heartfelt concerns about how the Church is living its mission. I am very grateful to all who gave their time and provided their input into this synodal process that is now unfolding in the life of the Church. If it is successful, it will help the People of God to discern prayerfully the signs of the times in the light of our faith so that we can grow in our personal relationship to Jesus Christ and fruitfully serve the mission he has entrusted to us.
The Archdiocese looks forward to continuing the conversation, not just with those who participated in the process, but with all the faithful in our local Church.
J. Michael Miller, CSB
Archbishop of Vancouver
