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Diocesan Synod
2001-2005 for the Stockton Diocese
What is a Diocesan Synod?
The diocesan synod is an assembly of selected
priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a particular
church which, for the good of the whole diocesan community,
assists the diocesan Bishop. (c. 460)
The Church has used a synod process since at
least the year 400. It has been used more frequently since
the Second Vatican Council.
When is a Synod Called?
The diocesan synod is to be held in each particular
Church when the diocesan bishop, after consulting the council
of priests, judges that the circumstances suggest it. (c.
461, §1)
What is the Purpose of a Synod?
The Stockton Diocesan Synod will work to achieve
the goals of:
- Experiencing
the Diocese of Stockton as one Church composed of diverse
peoples working together
for the mission of Christ
- Developing
a pastoral vision for the Diocese of Stockton in the 21st
century
- Systematizing
diocesan law
What is the Diocese of Stockton Synod
Timeline?
2001-2004 Three years of diocesan study on
its liturgical, social justice and catechetical
life
2004-2006
- Synod Survey, Consultations held throughout
the diocese
- Work of the Synod Preparatory Commission
leads to Synod Agenda
- Selection of Parish and Diocesan Synod Delegates
2005-2006 The celebration of the synod in
2-3 sessions, including one or more deliberative gatherings
of synod participants to address the proposals and a diocesan-wide
liturgical celebration.
2006
February 11 - The Synod Delegates gathered in retreat
March 24 - Opening Liturgy - 6:30pm
March 25 - First Synod Gathering, St. Mary's High School,
Stockton
June 3 - Second Synod Gathering, St. Joseph
Parish, Modesto
Who Participates in the Synod Preparation?
Everyone in the Diocese of Stockton is invited
to participate in some way in the preparation
for the Synod. Some of these ways include:
- Prayer
- Participating
in the consultation process
- Serving
on one of the preparation committees
Who Participates in the Synod Deliberative
Sessions?
In accord with canon law (c. 463, §1),
the synod participants would include
- Presider
of the Synod: Bishop Stephen E. Blaire
- The
vicar general
- The
judicial vicar
- The
deans
- The
members of the Presbyteral Council
- Priests
elected from the deaneries
- Deacons,
religious, and members of the lay faithful selected in a
manner determined by Bishop
Blaire, including representatives from
every parish
- Ecumenical
invitees
What is the Prepatory Commission?
The Preparatory Commission, consists of clergy
and other faithful who are distinguished by their pastoral
prudence and by their professional competence, reflecting
the various charisms and ministries of the diocese, including
canon lawyers and liturgists (Instruction on Diocesan Synods,
III, B, 1)
They assist the bishop in:
- Organization
and preparation of the synod
- Creation
of the Synod Directory—the procedural manual
- Pastoral
assessment of the diocese
- Creating
the process
- Overseeing
process implementation
- Formulation
of the synodal proposals
- Determination
and formation of synod participants
- Overseeing
the Synod’s deliberative process
The Preparatory Commission will work through
committees, including:
- Liturgy/Prayer
- Diocesan
policy review and systemization
- Resolution
Process (Multi-Cultural/Multi-Lingual)
- Communications
- Events
Planning
Chair of the Preparatory Commission: Bishop
Stephen E. Blaire
Synod Secretariat, providing professional support
to the synodal process
General Secretary of the Synod:
Sr. Terry Davis,
SND
What Kind of Process Will Be Used?
All events of the synod process will take place:
- In a
spirit of prayerful discernment
- Including
representatives from all sectors of the Diocese of Stockton,
with special attention to
the diocese’s youth and poor
- Multi-lingually
- Drawing
on the leadership and experience of the diocese and the
parishes
Coordinator of the Synod Process:
Patricia Jones
Last Update
December 6, 2007 |
