Synod 2021-2023

On April 24, 2021, Pope Francis announced the convocation of the Sixteenth Ordinary Synod with the theme “For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” in a sense, “a Synod on synodality.”

In brief, the Synod is an effort by the Church to reach out to all members to gather their thoughts on how the Church can best serve the world in the present time. Unlike the Second Vatican Council - which gathered the world's bishops to collect their input and then provide direction to the laity - the Synod is a bottom-up approach, asking the bishops to listen to their congregations and to develop policies based on that input.

Together, the Holy Father and our own Bishop O’Connell hope to get input from the broadest cross section of people possible. Keep reading for more information on the Synod process and what it will look like here at St. Paul.

Hopefully, you have been thinking about your own experience of journeying with the Church. We can learn so much when we reflect on our own story of faith and listen to the story of others. Conversations around those topics can be a time of grace! And we believe the Lord Jesus who promised, “For where two or more are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20

Our parish is preparing now to host listening sessions in the early spring. Each session will be moderated by a facilitator and have a notetaker to share the direction the conversation takes.

But what is the purpose of these sessions? The Synod is not an invitation to debate Church teachings nor a time or place to create conflict or chastise the “other.” Pope Francis calls us to step away from the caustic battles of 21st century conversations; and instead to share part of our own story, listen with care to one another, and build understanding and insight.

We hope you'll prayerfully consider participating in these listening sessions. More specific information with dates and times will be available in the coming weeks.

All parishioners and community members are invited to participate in one listening session at their schedule's convenience.

A listening session is a small group session comprised of a facilitator, note taker, and between six and eight participants. These sessions will last a little over an hour. The facilitator will lead the session, posing the primary Synod question: What are the joys or consolations and the difficulties or obstacles of our journeying together as a church and faith community?

Participants will individually share their stories first, and then the participants will be asked to reflect on the stories they have heard from others in the session. After this moment of reflection, the participants will be asked about what moved, touched, or resonated with them. The purpose is not to agree or disagree with one another, but to listen and be moved by the Holy Spirit. Finally, the participants will be asked to share how they feel the Spirit guiding is them to be Church in the future.

The note taker will capture these stories, but not the names of the participants. Notes from each session will be forwarded to the Diocese. The Diocese will in turn, assemble the responses from all the listening sessions throughout the parishes of the Diocese of Trenton in a summary for use at the United States Bishop's Conference. The US Bishop's Conference will then compile their collective summaries to be forwarded to Rome.

Listening sessions will take place following select weekend Masses on the weekends of March 19-20, March 26-27, and April 2-3. We will also offer a few Zoom sessions which will take place during the week.

Our parish will host listening sessions as a large group in the Spiritual Center, with all present seated at round tables. After gathering together and beginning in prayer, those seated at each table will begin their small group discussion.

Each table will have a facilitator present to guide the conversation through the questions being asked of Catholics all over the world: What are the joys or consolations and the difficulties or obstacles of our journeying together as a church and faith community?

Each table will also have a note taker present to capture the overarching conversation. Notes from each session will be forwarded to the Diocese. The Diocese will in turn, assemble the responses from all the listening sessions throughout the parishes of the Diocese of Trenton in a summary for use at the United States Bishop's Conference. The US Bishop's Conference will then compile their collective summaries to be forwarded to Rome.

Please consider joining us for a listening session and encourage others in your life to do so as well. Pope Francis truly desires to hear from all of us about our experiences journeying with the Church.