5 December 2021

UNITED KINGDOM, Diocese of Galloway, Scotland

Europe
Format: Videos / Audio
Type:
Organisation: Archdiocese / Diocese

Fr Stephen Latham in the Diocese of Galloway has created 10 short video reflections, each one relating to the ten themes laid out in the Vademecum: Walking Together, Listening, Speaking Out etc. Many people are finding these video reflections very helpful in introducing them to the whole concept of the Synod. You can click on any of the links below or visit the website at https://gallowaydiocese.org.uk/synod-news.


ONE – COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY:

The Acts of the Apostles tells us how the first disciples worked together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to build the early Church. Pope Francis invites every baptised person to work – or ‘walk’ – together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to build today’s Church. You are invited to consider the following questions:

How are we already working/walking together?

How can we do this better?

Who is getting left behind and why?


TWO –  LISTENING:

The first step in walking together is to really listen to one another, without prejudice or personal agenda. When we can listen like this, we may hear God’s voice speaking to us through other people. You are invited to consider the following questions:

How well do we listen, especially to people who have different views than our own?

How can we better listen to young people, women and minority groups?


THREE – SPEAKING OUT:

We are invited to speak out boldly and responsibly.

What helps us to do this?

What prevents us from doing this?

How does the relationship with local media work (not only Catholic media)?

How well do we choose the people who speak on our behalf to the wider community?


FOUR – CELEBRATION:

The celebration of the Eucharist—i.e. Mass—is at the centre of our Catholic communities, and forms the basis for our ‘walking together’.

How well do communal prayer and liturgical celebrations inspire and guide our sense of community?

How well do we allow and enable every member of the faithful to participate?


FIVE – SHARING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR COMMON MISSION:

Every baptised person is called to use their natural and supernatural gifts and talents to participate in the life and missionary service of the Church.

Do we understand what this means?

What stops us from giving our gifts and talents to the Church?

How does the Church community support its members who serve society in various ways (social and political involvement, scientific research, education, promoting social justice, protecting human rights, caring for the environment etc.)? 


SEVEN – ECUMENISM:

The dialogue between different Christian groups has a special place in the synodal journey.

What relationships do we have with members of other Christian traditions or denominations?

What are the benefits and difficulties?

How can we take the next step in walking forward with each other?


EIGHT – AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION:

A synodal Church is a Church where everyone participates and everyone shares responsibility.

How well do we identify our goals and how to reach them?

What good examples do we have of governance, teamwork and shared responsibility?

How do we promote lay ministries and the responsibility of lay people?

What fruitful experiences can we share of lay leadership?

How can we develop fruitful participation and leadership?


NINE – DISCERNING AND DECIDING:

A synodal Church makes decisions through discernment of what the Holy Spirit is saying through our whole community.

How well do we promote participation in decision making and how well do we make decisions together?

How can we improve our methods so that everyone’s voices can be included?

How can we grow in communal spiritual discernment?


TEN – FORMING OURSELVES IN SYNODALITY:

Synodality, that is journeying together, involves ongoing learning, and being open to change.

What do we need to help us to be more capable of ‘walking together’, listening to one another, participating in mission, and engaging in dialogue?

What training do lay leaders need to ensure they exercise their authority in a synodal way—i.e. that every member of the community is welcomed, respected and listened to?