In May and June, everyone in the Archdiocese was invited to participate in determining the Synod agenda.

The input from this participation phase has now been analysed.

As a result of the input, two new topics have been introduced - one on spirituality and one relating to the use of our assets.

Welcom has published a summary of responses to the Synod Click here to read them.

Parishes have been sent information about the number of participants they should select to attend the Synod.

Guidelines for selecting the participants were included with the numbers. They include the demographic and socio-economic diversity of the parish and personal qualities of the people being considered.

Other people will also receive letters of invitation to participate in the Synod because of their role in the Archdiocese.

In his newsletter Cardinal Dew said "The Synod is not a place for pushing agendas, or re-litigating parish amalgamation issues. We need to understand that the Archdiocese is the local Church, and that each parish is part of the local Church not an entity unto itself."

"The Synod will be a discernment process, listening to the Spirit and to one another as we seek to understand where God is leading us, which is why we need prayerful, listening participants."

"Imagination on is also important, as it is a powerful way in which the Holy Spirit can introduce us to new ways of understanding and acting."

The topics for a diocese-wide participation process which begins in May are:

• Leadership
• The peripheries of society
• Relations with Maori
• Ethnic diversity
• Our own (Church) peripheries
• Refugees and migrants
• Care for creation
• Ecumenism
• The young Church
• Marriage and family

A booklet to enable individuals and groups to reflect on and provide input on these topics will be sent out in early May.

It will also be available online. There will be a variety of ways in which respondents can submit their input.

Source

• Supplied Synod Update 2
• Image: wn.catholic.org.nz
Wellington Synod - selection of participants begins]]> 92538 https://cathnews.co.nz/2016/12/09/wellington-arcdiocese-synod-next-year/ Thu, 08 Dec 2016 16:02:14 +0000 https://cathnews.co.nz/?p=90336

Cardinal John Dew has announced that the fifth Synod for the Archdiocese of Wellington is to take place in 2017. A diocesan synod helps to establish the ‘communion and mission' of a diocesan community. In the decree of convocation Dew said he was mindful of Pope Francis' desire that we advance along the path of what Read more

Wellington Archdiocese to have a Synod next year... Read more]]> Cardinal John Dew has announced that the fifth Synod for the Archdiocese of Wellington is to take place in 2017.

A diocesan synod helps to establish the ‘communion and mission' of a diocesan community.

In the decree of convocation Dew said he was mindful of Pope Francis' desire that we advance along the path of what he calls "a pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are".

The letter continues, "Pope Francis explains what he means by pastoral and missionary conversion when he writes 'Pastoral ministry in a missionary key seeks to abandon the complacent attitude that says, 'We have always done it this way'"

"It means being bold and creative in the task of rethinking the goals, structures, style and methods of evangelisation in our Diocesan community with its various parish and ecclesial, religious and social communities."

"Pope Francis is re-shaping our priorities and attitudes, and we need to respond at the grassroots level to his vision," Dew said.

"The last two archdiocesan synods focused on liturgy, youth and young adults, family, welcoming communities, adult education, social justice.

"These are all essential parts of the life of the Church but are mostly internal matters with focus on ourselves rather than on our mission.

"The parish amalgamation process has required us to have a strong internal focus over the last few years. There is more work to be done within parishes to further the amalgamation at a practical level, and to deepen communion in our parishes.

"But that communion must extend further, because Pope Francis is challenging us strongly to ‘go out'.

"In both his words and actions, Pope Francis consistently challenges us to rethink our approach and priorities.

"He returns to certain themes again and again: the peripheries of society; our own peripheries; refugees and migrants; care for creation; ecumenism; interfaith relations; accompanying the young.

Dew concludes by saying that now is the time for the Archdiocese to reflect on how we can be a Church that is at the service of the world around us.

Source

• wn.catholic.org.nz
• Image: wn.catholic.org.nz
Wellington Archdiocese to have a Synod next year]]> 90336