ST JOSEPH’S PARISH MAIDENHEAD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Synod
Walking Together “Synod” simply means “journeying together”. Pope Francis, following on from his invitation in 2013 for us to become “missionary disciples”, has called a Universal Synod which is taking place in every Catholic diocese across the world. The Synod is themed: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”. This two-year journey’s (2021-23) goal is for all members of the church to be heard.
What does this mean for our Diocese? In our Diocese, we are asked to submit our responses and observations. Eventually, after Diocesan, National and Continental gatherings, the Synod of Bishops will gather in Rome in 2023 to reflect on what has been heard.
The Holy Father is inviting us to listen deeply to one another; to discern what God is saying to the Church, and to enter into a dialogue about how we can journey together into the future. He has also asked us to think about how we can invite those on the margins and those searching for faith to walk with us in communion.
How Can I Take Part? We want to hear how you think we can best live out Pope Francis’s vision of a participatory, responsible, evangelising church. You can participate in the first stage of the Synod collectively or individually by providing your feedback to us. We encourage you to pray and discern about the following: A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” How is this “journeying together” happening today in your local Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take, in order to grow in our “journeying together”? (PD, 26).
Pope Francis has provided us with a set of Reflection Questions to address, both personally and in group meetings. You can submit your feedback individually online via email to the parish office: office@stjosephsparish.co.uk or by writing and leave your submissions in the Suggestion Box found in the church. Please feel free to answer as many or as few questions as you like.
Your contribution is invaluable and will make a considerable difference to the future of the church in our diocese and across the world.
You can complete the Synod Reflection Questionnaire online at https://forms.gle/u4XWgKfRCss8zGk6A
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