Synods prove change can happen in the Church: Canadian delegate

For those who participated in the Vancouver synod of 1998 to 2006, it was “the best of times.”

Barbara Dowding, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, was general secretary of the synod, and she says there’s good reason for excitement about the new synod Pope Francis is launching this month.

For starters, the Pope has made it clear he wants to hear from everyone.

“The instructions that came from Rome are wide. They want us to ask everybody. They want everybody to have their say,” Dowding said in an interview.

“The document is very much Pope Francis: listening, reaching out to people who aren’t included.”

Dowding is one of five Canadians in a Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops delegation travelling to Rome for the opening Mass of the Synod with Pope Francis Oct. 10. The others are CCCB president Bishop Raymond Poisson, former president Archbishop Richard Gagnon of Winnipeg, Montreal Sister Chantal Desmarais, and theological adviser Patrick Fletcher.

Synods can be catalysts for change in the Church. During the Vancouver synod, delegates voted for 50 propositions that outlined the local Church could move forward in a variety of areas. Without that process, the Archdiocese of Vancouver would lack some developments it now takes for granted, such as permanent deacons, adult faith formation programs, and parish-led perpetual adoration.

“It culminated in lots of good things and the fruits are still coming forward,” said Dowding. “Change can happen.”

Pope Francis has invited the global Church to ask questions on various topics such as reaching out to the socially excluded, integrating the contributions of consecrated people, and promoting active participation of lay people in liturgy. The findings will then be forwarded to him.

In the Archdiocese of Vancouver, the faithful will be invited to parish and religious community meetings to share their views on various aspects of Catholic life. A summary of the views expressed and trends observed will be submitted to the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The CCCB will consolidate feedback from across the country into a report for the Holy Father.

Dowding admits there’s a temptation to ask, “What will my little opinion matter in the world?” But the local feedback can make a big difference in the Archdiocese of Vancouver since Archbishop J. Michael Miller will be listening to it all, she said.

“The archbishop is going to listen, be aware, and see trends,” she said. “In every category there is something that the archbishop would like to know what people think. For instance, about participation in the liturgy. Given that we’ve had ‘Make Every Sunday Matter’ as a priority for a long time, has it made a difference? It would be interesting to hear what people think.”

The synod will also be an opportunity to get to know others and be strengthened spiritually, since the Pope has suggested local meetings incorporate spiritual aspects, such as prayer and Scripture, as well as a meal.

“It’s not just a bunch of people getting together and talking for the sake of talking,” Dowding said. “That’s the idea: to have your say, but also to be around the table and listen to what other people have to say.”

In Rome, Dowding is looking forward to meeting others from around the world who are equally excited about the synod and who can share ideas and best practices.

For the local launch, Archbishop Miller will celebrate Mass Oct. 24 at Holy Rosary Cathedral. The archdiocese will have until mid-February to conduct local consultations and until April to compile a report for the CCCB.

Most meetings will be held at the parish level, but for individuals uncomfortable meeting in person or not belonging to a particular group or parish there will be an opportunity to submit answers to synod questions online, Dowding said. 

More details will be announced as they are available.

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