Decree

of the conclusion
of the Tenth Synod for the Archdiocese of PhiladelphiA

    On December 8, 2000, after much prayer, reflection, and consultation, I decreed the convocation of the Tenth Synod for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, which was designed to offer assistance to me as the diocesan bishop of this local Church for the good of the whole Archdiocese.  The stated object of this synod was to foster communion and mission, by contributing in charting the pastoral activities of the archdiocese through an evaluation of existing pastoral programs and a subsequent proposal of new pastoral plans. 

    The synod members were properly informed during their deliberations by the faithful of the archdiocese, who had been consulted about their pastoral needs and desires and about the questions to be discussed during the actual celebration of the synod. All of us were guided by prayer, particularly through our Eucharistic participation, to assure that our archdiocesan synod would be a concrete realization of the synodal theme, “The Church Praying, Listening, and Planning.”

    The celebration of the synod, in the nine sessions since September 20, 2002, focused the attention of the members on the most important pastoral matters impacting upon the future of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.  All who participated in this assembly were able to experience firsthand the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst.  Now, as an exercise of my responsibility to teach, to sanctify, and to shepherd, it is my duty, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to consider seriously all the recommendations which emerged from the synod discussions and to act upon them as I deem appropriate.

    Accordingly, in virtue of the prescripts of canons 460 through 468 of the Code of Canon Law, and of the Apostolic See’s “Instruction on Diocesan Synods” (March 19, 1997), I hereby DECREE the conclusion of the Tenth Synod of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, to the greater honor and glory of God and for the good of all the clergy, religious, and laity entrusted to my care.  I further DECREE that the formulation of all the decrees and declarations of this synod is to begin immediately so that all synodal enactments may be promulgated by me on May 29, 2003, the Solemnity of the Ascension of Our Lord, and become effective on June 29, 2003, the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, Secondary Patrons of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

     The occasion of the conclusion of the Tenth Synod of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers us the opportunity to thank Almighty God for the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this local Church.  May God continue to bless all our efforts to witness to the Kingdom of God in our midst, as we earnestly desire its perfect fulfillment in heaven.  Together, may we strive always to “cast our nets into the deep anew” (Luke 5: 4), with renewed hope in God’s ever-abiding grace.

    This decree becomes effective immediately, and is to be communicated to the faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in an appropriate manner.  All things to the contrary notwithstanding.

    Given at the Curia of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, on the eighth day of December, the Second Sunday of Advent, in the Year of Our Lord 2002.

Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua       

Archbishop of Philadelphia           

    SEAL

Rev. Msgr. Alexander J. Palmieri
Chancellor