Synod 2021 to 2023
The "Synod on Synodality" will begin here in Alpena this month.
“Synodality” describes the participation of the whole People of God in the life of the Church. In the upcoming Synod, this participation will be exercised in three stages:
1.) First, the bishops will consult the People of God about a particular question.
2.) Second, the bishops will hear the response of the faithful and discern how the Holy Spirit is speaking through this discernment.
3.) Finally, the bishops will implement the directives of Pope Francis once he has considered the bishops’ discernment.
The question the People of God are being asked has been phrased in different ways:
- What is the Holy Spirit saying to our Church today?
- What should we do to improve All Saints parish?
- A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, ‘journeys together.’
How is this ‘journeying together’ happening today in Alpena?
What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grown in our ‘journeying together’?
2. Follow-up question:
What experiences in Alpena does this question call to mind?
In recalling these experiences, what joy did they bring?
What difficulties or obstacles have been encountered?
What wounds did they reveal?
What insights have they elicited?
Participants are encouraged to share with honesty and openness about their real-life experiences, and there will be upcoming opportunities to reflect together on what the Holy Spirit might be revealing through what we share.
We want to hear from you!
If you have any questions about the synod process,
or if you would like to send your responses to the parish,
please email Seth Peters, Synodal Coordinator,
or leave your response in written form at the front desk,
or mail to 817 Sable St. c/o Seth Peters.
Resources for further information about the synodal process as also available through the following links: