Our Vocation

    The word "synod" comes from Greek, and means "on the road together". As we journey together on the pilgrimage of life toward the kingdom of heaven, a synod gives us a chance to stop and consider the road on which we travel. We will evaluate together where we have been, look ahead to where God is calling us to be, and consider the best direction to take in order to arrive there. We will consider the things that bind us together on the way, and seek to overcome those which pull us in opposite directions.

    Every one of us who takes part in the journey has a responsibility to offer his or her experience and insight, so that we may find the way together. Each of us is called by God to participate in the same mission, and each of us brings particular gifts and understanding from the situations and circumstances in which God has placed us. The diversity which is found among the members of the Church strengthens and makes more beautiful the unity which binds us together.

    This unity finds its expression in the vocation of discipleship.  Although each of us answers this call in a different way, the underlying reality is the same for each of us.  As members of the People of God, we are bound together as the Body of Christ, and anointed with the Holy Spirit.  We are called to make the world holy, to spread the gospel message, and to help establish the kingdom of God in the world.  Carrying out our vocation in our particular circumstances, each of us participates in the same mission of redemption.

    The following pages explore our vocation to discipleship more deeply.  Each one contains reflection questions, which can help us to consider more closely both what we are doing, and how we could do it more effectively.  Sincerely and honestly considering these issues is an important first step toward making a contribution to the work of the Synod and to the life of the Church.

NEXT: The People of God

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia serves over 1.4 million Catholics in the five counties of
Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery
 in the southeastern part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

The archdiocesan website is https://www.archdiocese-phl.org

Copyright © 2002, 2001 Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Last revision: 29 May 2003