344 W. Workman St., Covina, CA 91723
626.332.3570 / info@sacredheart.cc
626.332.3570 / info@sacredheart.cc
Search
Synod on Synodality
-
-
Pope Francis Establishes:
A Worldwide Synod on Synodality
Many parishioners have heard about our Holy Father, Pope Francis, calling for a Synod on the topic of Synodality. What does that mean? A Synod is a process where the Church gathers in prayer to listen first to the Holy Spirit then to each other and finally to the Holy Spirit again.
Listening to each other includes the Pope and Bishops, listening to one another. It also includes the priests and their local bishop listening to each other. And equally important it includes the parish clergy, parish lay leaders and staff along with the whole parish family listening to one another; always guided by the Holy Spirit. The parish clergy share with their bishop the prayerfully discerned thoughts of the parish family, the bishops share these insights with each other and the Pope. All of us listening to each other and most importantly to the Holy Spirit. This process will take place in our parish in January through March of this year.
We in turn of course, also listen to the Bishops and Pope. They have given us four hallmarks that constitute a character of renewal through Synodality – that is through the Synod process of working together and by listening to the Holy Spirit and each other:
- A missionary Church: a Church, a parish that evangelizes, that shares its faith. Where everyone speaks openly about their faith in Jesus Christ and actively invites others to join. We share our faith at work, school to neighbors; we witness it at stores and public gatherings. Our focus becomes outward, looking to bring new people in by loving them unconditionally. A parish community that studies the Scriptures; in small groups prays together and reflects on the Scriptures, especially the Sunday readings.
- A Co-responsible and participatory Church: people actively volunteer their time and talent. They are excited to learn daily about their faith and chosen ministry, growing with new zeal each day and eager to take on leadership roles; to be accountable, dynamic leaders in parish life.
- A Welcoming Church: Unconditional love for everyone, no matter who they are. Our greatest love offered to those rejected by society; a compassion for the poor, weak, lonely, aged, sick, homeless. A love and understanding for the marginalized, the immigrant, the unwed parents, the addict, the prisoner, and countless others who have live styles very different than our own. This does not mean we approve, it means we love! Unconditional love!! It means we accept them and welcome them with open arms as Jesus did, as Jesus would.
- A Church of harmony and dialogue: A Church, a parish, where we promote the values of peace, mercy and communion. We reject a community that is polarized and tribal for one that listens and respects each other even when we have different views. We build bridges to connect ourselves to each other no matter the differences. With compassion we actively engage in dialogue to build up the Church.
Please keep the Synod in your daily prayers.
Father Bill, Pastor
For more information, please see: synod.va and synod.lacatholics.org.
This prayer is attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (560-636), it has been traditionally used at Councils and Synods of the Church for hundreds of years:
Prayer for the Synod
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.
-