Synodality 

Prayer for the Synod on Synodality

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
Amen.

SYNODALITY:THE PROCESS CONTINUES

With the conclusion of CLC’s synodal sessions and the submission of our report to the CCCB and the Vatican, we have been reflecting on where we go from here. The synod is an ongoing process says Sister Léocadie-Aurélie Billy, superior general of the Sisters of Providence of Saint-Paul, in the Diocese of Kara in Togo. Indeed, Pope Francis has said “If the church is not synodal, it is not the church.”

In service to this spirit of synodality, we have some exciting and inspiring initiatives in the works for the fall and winter. Here is a glimpse of what we have planned:

Official Launch of CLC Synodal Report with Panel Discussion

CLC is honoured to present a panel of respected leaders from clergy, consecrated life and laity who will respond to our Synodal report and share their experiences of synodality from their location within the Church.

Joining us will be Archbishop Paul-Andre Durocher of Gatineau, Dr Catherine E. Clifford, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology at St Paul University and Sr. Jeannette Filthaut SP. The panel will be moderated by Anne Louise Mahoney, Managing Editor at Novalis Publishing.

Mark your calendar: Saturday October 29, 2022, 2-4 p.m. and watch for registration information coming soon.

Stories of Hope: Synodal Experiences from Across Canada

We are blessed to have committed and generous CLC subscribers across the country. At this event, representatives from four dioceses: Antigonish, Gatineau, Kelowna, and St. Catharines, will share their unique experiences of Synodality, followed by an opportunity for others to share. This event will take place in November. Watch for further details.

Keeping the Conversation Going: What happens next?

Everyone is invited to this brainstorming session with facilitators and participants of our synodal sessions. If you were not able to join one of our sessions- that’s OK! Newly- interested folks are most welcome to join in too. This is where you help to strengthen our communion, through participation in the Church’s mission. On the ground, here and now. Date: TBC

International Perspectives

as part of the global church, we are enriched by sharing the experience of others in different parts of the world. We are currently in conversations with folks from the other countries, We’ll let you know as these plans firm up.

If you have suggestions for speakers, please forward names, brief description and contact information to concernedlaycatholics@gmail.com

Transition from the Diocesan Phase to the Continental Phase of the Synodal Process

Over the summer, Boston College in partnership with the Vatican Synod Office offered a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC). Some of our CLC members attended. Another course is planned for November. For now, here is a link to the concluding webinar addressing the end of the diocesan phase and upcoming continental phase. What have we learned? What’s next? Worth a watch!