As this Archdiocese is preparing for Synod 16 we on our part will have the opportunity to contribute as each parish will be holding “Parish Dialogue Gatherings.” This is an opportunity that is open for all to help the Archbishop and the whole of the Archdiocese to help build a universal Church where everyone will feel welcomed. Many of us are not used to hearing the word Synod – lot of information is provided on the Archdiocesan website –aod.org. But for those of you who are not able to do that here is some information on what a Synod is.
In the words of Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron: “Synods are by God’s grace something powerful in the life of the Church, a way to grow together. Our community will come together in the midst of the Holy Spirit to discern where He seems to take us in order to re-evangelize ourselves and our culture. By listening to what the members say in the synod, I will be able to discern and ratify the work of the Holy Spirit, and it will be a time of great grace.”
What is a Synod?
A Synod is both an event and a process that sees people – clergy, religious, and laity – gather to discuss important matters of the faith. Synods are transformative events that lead to renewal in the Church’s life. After a Synod takes place, the church emerges different, changed.
What is the purpose of Synod 16?
In expressing his confidence that, “in response to our prayers through the synod in 2016, God will make being missionaries part of the DNA of our archdiocese.” Archbishop Vigneron summarized the two-fold purpose of Synod 16.
The first is “missionaries.” The focus of this Synod is evangelization. The second is, “DNA.” The Archbishop hopes to transform the very culture of our Archdiocese—how we work, how we pray, how we minister, everything—so that in everything we do, we are more effective witnesses
Have there been other Synods in the Archdiocese of Detroit?
There have been ten synods since the Archdiocese of Detroit was established in 1833.The last Synod in the Archdiocese was convened by Cardinal John Dearden in 1969.
How did previous Synods held in the Archdiocese of Detroit turn out?
The last synod in 1969, spurred much change in the Archdiocese. One of the most-familiar results of this synod was the bolstering of lay participation in the life of the Church through parish councils, parish finance councils, and vicariate councils.
It’s hard to imagine parish life without those elements of lay involvement. We pray that Synod 16 will, in a similar way, influence how we live the faith in the Archdiocese of Detroit (more on that later).