The Diocese of Palmerston North in New Zealand, as part of the local synodal process, has developed a number of resources available to school communities.
The “Synod in Schools” page provides teachers and students with appropriate tools for animation and participation in the synodal journey. With “Classroom Resource” teachers receive background information about the synod, examples of activities to promote student participation and a whole series of biblical references, prayers and songs for liturgical animation. Two videos, one for teachers and the other for students, were made to encourage participation.
“In New Zealand we have a truly outstanding Catholic education system for young people aged 5-18,” reports Isabella McCafferty, communications officer for the diocese.
“We are grateful to have received several contributions from young people aged 5-18. On our website there is a slideshow of drawings by a group of 5 year olds illustrating times when they felt welcome and supported; it is a wonderful example of the responses we received from our school community.”
The two main questions posed to the whole diocesan community were:
– In your experience, how did you feel welcomed and supported by the Catholic faith community?
– In what ways could the Catholic faith community better walk with people? The presentation of answers is now closed, but the various resources can be found here: https://tumanako.pndiocese.org.nz/2022/02/synod-in-schools/