DIOCESAN PREPARATION

Archdiocese of San Antonio: Synodal Church

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Toolkit for Leaders for Facilitating Synodal Consultations

I. BACKGROUND

WHY A SYNODAL PROCESS AND WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?
Pope Francis has invited everyone in the Church to embark on a journey together. Through listening and discernment rooted in the Holy Spirit, the entire People of God are being called to contribute to this processā€”the synodal processā€”by which the Church deepens in understanding of her mission and looks toward the future. For more information, visit the FAQ page.

WHO IS PARTICIPATING AND WHY IS MY VOICE NEEDED?
Pope Francis is inviting all the baptized to participate. These include parish groups and Catholic organizations, along with persons with special needs and their families, those living in poverty, the incarcerated, migrants and refugees, as well as other marginalized groups. The full voice of all People of God is needed for true discernment as we listen to one another in the Holy Spirit.

I. PREPARATION

CHOOSE A SPACE WHERE THOSE INVITED CAN GATHER IN GROUPS OF 6ā€”8 PERSONS.

1. Set aside at least 90 minutes for this process.
2. Invite your group and ask for their participation. You may choose to use any of the templates provided by the Vatican to prepare a flyer or an email invitation. Give two weeksā€™ notice to your group if possible. Templates from the Vatican can be found here.
3. Download copies of the Prayer for Synodality (PDF) for yourself and each participant.
4. Download copies of the Reflection Sheet (PDF)Approaches for Dialogue (PDF), and Ten Possible Themes (PDF) for yourself and for each table of participants
5. Prior to the planned discussion session, have the Prayer for Synodality for each participant. At each table, have a copy of the Reflection SheetApproaches for Dialogue , and Ten Possible Themes along with a working pen. Also, be sure to have extra lined paper at each table for those who wish to take extra notes.

III. SAMPLE SCHEDULE

3 Mins.Welcome, Introductions, Prayer: Use the Prayer for Synodality (PDF) together
5 Mins.Give a short Background to the Synodal Process: Use material in I. Background (above) and the information on the FAQ page.
7 Mins.Review the Approaches for Dialogue (PDF) out loud with participants. Have each table choose a Scribe who will take notes on the Reflection Sheet (PDF) provided. Have each table choose a Discussion Leader to moderate and keep conversation going (could be the same person as the Scribe).
15 Mins.Begin discussing Reflection Sheet, Question #1. As discussion begins, ask that participants be honest, open, and respectful. Ensure each Scribe takes careful notes. Keep track of the time given for each question.
15 Mins.After the allotted time, move to Reflection Sheet, Question #2 with participants, asking them to discuss honestly, openly, and respectfully. Again, ensure each Scribe takes careful notes.
10 Mins.Review the Ten Possible Themes (PDF) out loud with participants. Each table may choose two of the ten for their consideration. This should be done by consensus at each table. (This section is optional. Feel free to spend more time on the Reflection Sheet Questions).
15 Mins.Discuss the First Chosen ThemeDiscussion Leader moderates and Scribe takes careful notes.
15 Mins.Discuss the Second Chosen ThemeDiscussion Leader moderates and Scribe takes careful notes.
3 Mins.Concluding Remarks, Thank Youā€™s, End of Session

IV. SUBMIT REFLECTION SHEET TO THE ARCHDIOCESE OF SAN ANTONIO


Leader of Synodal Process session then submits Reflection Sheet without delay. To simplify the submission of the summary of your synodal conversation, you are going to need to download the ā€œRocketbookā€ app on your smartphone:

Click here to download Rocketbook for iPhone.
Click here to download Rocketbook for Android.

Create a Rocketbook account using your email address. When prompted for a ā€œdestinationā€, type the email address ā€œ [email protected]ā€. Using your camera, scan your Reflection Sheet to send them to the destination ā€œ[email protected]ā€. If you need assistance, email us.

Archdiocesan Synod Liaisons

BISHOP MIKE BOULETTE
Auxiliary Bishop of San Antonio
Vicar General & Moderator of the Curia

JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
Director for Strategic Planning & Priorities
Archdiocese of San Antonio


CONTACT

210-734-1692

Email


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