Vatican Synod Newsletter by the General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops
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Instrumentum Laboris for Second Session of the Synod on Synodality
On 9 July 2024, the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops released the Instrumentum laboris for the upcoming second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to be held 2-27 October 2-27 2024 in Rome. This session will mark a significant moment in the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, initiated in 2021, by discerning how the Church can become more synodal and missionary.
The Instrumentum laboris is designed as a working tool for the Assembly members. Rather than providing definitive answers, it aims to foster prayer, dialogue, and discernment, in view of refining and building consensus on the ways to be a synodal missionary Church. This document reflects the insights and contributions from local churches worldwide, gathered through extensive consultations and during the first session of the Assembly.
Key Highlights of the Instrumentum laboris:
- Foundations of Synodality: The document emphasizes the Church’s identity as the People of God and Sacrament of unity, rooted in the living tradition of the Church. It highlights the importance of synodality as a path of conversion and reform, calling for a renewed understanding of ecclesial communion and a commitment to live synodality in all its dimensions.
- Three Perspectives:
- Relations: This section delves into the essential relationships within the Church – with God, among the faithful, and between Churches. It underscores the vitality of these relationships, transcending mere structural considerations.
- Paths: Focused on the practical pathways that nurture Christian relationships and support the Church’s mission, this section calls for formation plans that are contextually relevant and encourages transparent accountability in ecclesial responsibilities.
- Places: This section examines the specific cultural and contextual realities where the Church’s synodal life is embodied. It promotes dynamic relationships and participation in the local Churches and broader ecclesial structures.
- Ongoing Synodal Process: The document situates the current phase within the broader synodal journey, ensuring continuity with previous stages, including the consultations of local churches, continental assemblies, and the first session of the Assembly.
Looking Ahead
The second session of the Assembly will be a critical moment for the Church to reflect on and respond to the evolving needs of being a synodal and missionary Church. It will involve prayerful discernment and dialogue on how to implement the orientations and proposals outlined in the Instrumentum laboris.
The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops invites all members of the People of God to engage in this journey through prayer and sharing of reflections, contributing to the task entrusted to the Assembly members.
For more information about the Synod, please visit: Synods of Bishops – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)
| Archdiocese of Edmonton Synod Synthesis | Special thanks to the 4,000 Participants across 350 Listening Sessions who led, participated, and prayed for the Synod on Synodality Archdiocesan phase. | Archdiocesan Final Synod Synthesis (EN) |
| Assembly of Western Bishops Synthesis | Each of Canada’s four Regional Episcopal Assemblies: Western, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic regions, also prepared reports which were synthesized by the Western Bishops into one Western Canada Report | Assembly of Western Catholic Bishops regional report (EN)
Assemblée des évêques catholiques de l’Ouest Synthèse des rapports synodaux (FR) |
| Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops National Synthesis | The four regional reports were then received by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) and used to draft a National Synthesis | CCCB National Synod Synthesis Report (EN) |
| Source document for the Continental Phase | This document served as a reflection tool as the US and Canadian Bishops gathered in prayerful discernment to complete the Continental Synthesis | Enlarge the Space of Your Tent |
| North America Continental Synthesis Report | 12 virtual assemblies: seven in English, two in French, and three in Spanish
931 delegates (six from the Archdiocese of Edmonton) and 146 Bishops from Canada (including Archbishop Smith) and the United States were appointed to participate in one of these twelve virtual assemblies to share their reflections and responses. |
North American Final Document for the Continental Stage: |
| Six Continental Reports | These six Continental Synthesis reports formed the foundation of the Instrumentum Laboris | Continental Reports |
| Instrumentum Laboris | The working tool for the 16th General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in Rome, October 2023 | Instrumentum Laboris |
Participation in the Synod in October 2023 expanded to include non-bishop members, a group of individuals from each of the regional groupings of episcopal conferences. The four non-bishop voting delegates from Canada and the United States chosen to represent the North America region are:
- Sami Aoun, Maronite Eparchy of Saint Maron
- Catherine Clifford, Archdiocese of Gatineau
- Sr. Chantal Desmarais, s.c.s.m., Diocese of Joliette
- Linda Staudt, Diocese of London
Read the full story click here including the CCCB statement.
View the complete list of all delegates click here.
Let us pray for the Synod and the continued inspiration of the Holy Spirit.
