Mission/Vision/Synodal Councils – A Vision
That expression – “We have always done it that way” – is poison for the life of the Church… The danger, in the end, is to apply old solutions to new problems… It is important that the synodal process be exactly this: a process of becoming, a process that involves the local Churches, in different phases and from the bottom up, in an exciting and engaging effort that can forge a style of communion and participation directed to mission. Pope Francis, Address for the Opening of the Synod
Pope Francis has said that synodality is ‘the way of being Church in the third millennium’, causing us to re-imagine all aspects of our communal life.
In finding ways to live synodally through our structures and decision-making, this model
provides a roadmap for:
• Navigating shared responsibilities in a hierarchical Church
• Discerning under the guidance of the Holy Spirit
• Re-gaining a new sense of mission
• Prioritising the marginalised through a distinct option for the poor
These are not necessarily straightforward changes. Moving to more synodal ways of being demands a collective commitment to openness and humility, relinquishing notions of power, making room for the Holy Spirit, and listening to all voices, even when they challenge our comfort zones.
The benefits far outweigh the challenges, however, with the potential for more robust and mission-driven communities, building trust through transparent decision-making processes, attracting a new and diverse membership, intentionally engaging women in decision-making, and sharing leadership responsibilities throughout the community.
Synodal processes, by encompassing a range of voices including those on the fringes, establish a bridge to a rapidly evolving world. By creatively holding tensions and embracing discomfort, these processes open us to the voice of the Holy Spirit, offering the prospect of reconciliation and renewal.
Characteristics of a Synodal Church
Some of the characteristics of a synodal church are that it
• Is rooted in the vocation of all the baptised
• Exercises co-responsibility
• Listens to the signs of the times – is open to being disturbed
• Uses gracious listening and gracious speaking skills to create
safe spaces where all can be heard
• Holds tension without forcing it into uniformity
• Through discernment – is open to the Holy Spirit
• Moves to action – leaders have to be decision-takers
• Is not a personal burden but a task for the whole community
(taken from Intrumentum Laboris for 1st Assembly of Rome Synod on Synodality, Section A1)
A Synodal Church
• Is a living faith community founded in shared prayer and a commitment to personal
renewal
• Is committed to discerning the Spirit through gracious listening and speaking
• Listens to the signs of the times and asks “Whose voices are not being heard?”
• Is open to being disturbed and can hold a variety of perspectives
• Is focussed on the mission of the parish, with buildings/financial issues dealt with
elsewhere (eg finance committee)
• Knows how to engage others to get things done
• Is not separate from the rest of the parish/parishes
Choosing Members
Heads:
• People who have knowledge and wisdom
• Theological understanding helpful
• People who will understand the potential ‘pitfalls’ of any suggested project
• Head people represent the concern for direction. They can solve problems and make decisions.
Hearts:
• People of passion, with a real desire to listen to the voices of others,
• Care about the impact that decisions can have and will seek to respond with compassion and understanding.
• Will raise the challenging questions E.g., what are we doing about the local people living in poverty?
Hands:
• People who have practical skills or the capacity to encourage others to use their skills
• People who will say ‘We know what we want to do, we understand the different views, now let’s get on with it. ‘
• Hands people represent the concern for achieving goals. They hold people and processes accountable and ensure that the group performs.
A Typical Meeting
• Start with prayer – recommend ‘lectio divina’ (prayer lead)
• Reflect on the agenda
• What is most important/difficult/contested item – tackle that first?
• Where are you seeking the voice of the Holy Spirit?
• Consider a spiritual conversation
• Remain focused on your mission
• Who else needs to be involved to get things done?
Questions for Conversation
1. What have been your good and bad experiences of pastoral councils and decision making?
2. What would an ideal PPC/PAC look like for you? (dream dreams!)
3. What needs to happen so that an ideal PPC/PAC can come into being, and what challenges or tensions do we need to recognise?
4. What learning has already come through the synodal process – where is God working already?
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