Contents
I: Introduction
II:Adult
Faith Formation
III: Catholic Education of Youth
IV: Evangelization
V: Liturgy
VI: Marriage and the Family
VII: Moral and Social Issues: A Pastoral Response
VIII: Roles of Service in the Church and in the World:
Clergy
IX: Roles of Service in the Church and in the World:
Laity
X: Roles of Service in the Church and in the
World: Religious
XI: Spirituality, the Call to Holiness, and the
Sacraments
XII: Youth and Young Adults
Additional Material
Pastoral
Reflection of Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua
Decree of Promulgation of the Decrees and
Declarations of the Synod
Decrees of the Tenth Synod of the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia
DECLARATIONS OF
THE TENTH SYNOD OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA
I.
Introduction
These
declarations, based on the proposals discussed
by the members of the Tenth Synod of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, are issued
by Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, Archbishop, as opportune affirmations of the
truths of the Catholic Faith and morals, especially in relation to more
important aspects of the life of this particular Church.
The following nine sections represent the nine topics, listed in
alphabetical order, which were considered by the Synod members.
II.
Adult Faith Formation
Throughout
the world, the Church is recognizing an upsurge in the desire of Catholic men
and women of all ages to have their faith life deepened, not only devotionally,
but also intellectually. In recent
decades, pastors have noted the increasing desire of their parishioners to
participate in such activities as Bible study and faith sharing.
At the same time, for so many, catechesis, or education in the Faith,
ceases after high school or college graduation. For some, catechesis ends after
the completion of their preparation for the sacraments of initiation which may
be as early as fifth or sixth grade. As
a result, there are many adults who seek further understanding of the basic
teachings of the Church. This
desire for knowledge of their Catholic Faith reflects another deeper desire for
a meaningful practice of the faith and religious devotions.
Locally,
in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, the Cluster Pastoral Planning Process
revealed that many if not all clusters of parishes have expressed the need to
establish some form of Adult Faith Formation.
While many individual parishes have provided some form of Adult Faith
Formation, usually through Lenten Adult Education programs, now more parishes
are offering such programs throughout the year.
Also, if individual parishes do not have the resources to provide
programs on their own, some of the clusters have initiated various programs to
address this growing need and offered them at a cluster site.
Because some clusters have repeated these programs annually, they are
filling a genuine need.
On
the national level, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has
acknowledged formally the significance of these issues.
In 1999, the document, “Our Hearts Were Burning Within Us: A Pastoral
Plan for Adult Faith Formation in the United States” was introduced.
This pastoral statement explained the nature of Adult Faith Formation and
emphasized the Bishops’ commitment to this work:
“Adult Faith Formation, by which people consciously grow in the life
of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study, must be ‘the
central task in [this] catechetical enterprise,’ becoming ‘the axis around
which revolves the catechesis of childhood and adolescence as well as that of
old age.’ This can be done
specifically through developing in adults a better understanding of and
participation in the full sacramental life of the Church . . . To make this
vision a reality . . . the Catholic Bishops of the United States call the Church
in our country to a renewed commitment to adult faith formation, positioning it
at the heart of our catechetical vision and practice” (p. 2).
With
my brother Bishops, I affirm the Church’s commitment to Adult Faith Formation.
Recognizing the many successful efforts in our parishes and clusters, I
am pleased that this topic has been addressed by the Synod and I am confident
that, through the implementation of the USCCB Pastoral Plan and the
recommendations of the Synod, Adult Faith Formation activities will flourish in
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.
III.
Catholic Education of Youth
Vatican
Council II, in its Declaration on Christian Education (Gravissimum
Educationis), taught: “All Christians . . . have a right to a Christian
education. Such an education not
only develops the maturity of the human person in the way we have described, but
is especially directed towards ensuring that those who have been baptized, as
they are gradually introduced to a knowledge of the mystery of salvation, become
daily more appreciative of the gift of faith which they have received”
(No. 2). Further, the Council
teaches, “Education is, in a very special way, the concern of the Church. .
. [because] it has the duty of proclaiming the way of salvation to all, of
revealing the life of Christ to those who believe, and of assisting them with
unremitting care so that they may attain the fulness of that life” (no.
3).
The
history of the Church magnificently details the Church’s unrivaled
appreciation for education. Taking
to heart the command of Christ, “Go, teach all nations,” many great saints
and even more unsung heroes, particularly religious sisters, brothers and
priests along with devoted lay teachers, have dedicated their lives to the
education of youth, particularly poor and underprivileged children, so that they
might enjoy the richness of an education permeated with the truths and practices
of the Catholic Faith. Philadelphia’s
own beloved Saints John Neumann and Katharine Drexel are perfect examples of how
such heroic persons dedicated themselves and their resources in the
establishment of schools which would ensure that a Catholic education would be
available to everyone.
The
20th Century ushered in an age of unprecedented expansion of parishes
in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Many
parishes had thousands of school-age children.
In response to the demand, parochial schools were built to accommodate
the needs of all. Today, many of
these schools still provide for children the highest quality Catholic education,
which fosters within our youth a future rooted in God.
It is this type of development and formation of our children which
assists them in becoming adults mature in faith and steadfast in religious
practice. Thus parents, in their
role as the first teachers of their children in the Faith, work in harmony with
the Church in handing on the gift of faith for generations to come.
The
Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues to uphold Catholic education as the finest
education for our youth. We are
proud of our parish elementary schools and secondary schools.
We are proud of our dedicated faculties, lay and religious, and we are
especially proud of our students, who are living proof of the value of Catholic
education. However, it must be
noted that, just as these schools were built by the sacrifices of the faithful,
so they continue to require the support, not only of parents, but also of all
those who recognize the precious assets which are our Catholic schools. I affirm the commitment of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to
provide quality Catholic education to every child by the best use of the
resources available to us. At the
same time, I reiterate the need to examine every possible venue to make a
Catholic education accessible to every child and affordable for every family.
IV.
Evangelization
By
her very nature, the Church is always engaged in the work of evangelization,
proclaiming the Gospel to all people. The
latter half of the 20th Century witnessed a resurgence in the
Church’s mission of evangelization. Pope
Blessed John XXIII, in his desire to see the Church and the modern
world in a new dialogue, inaugurated the Second Vatican Council.
The foresight of this visionary Pontiff prepared the Church to address
the modern world on all levels. Popes
Paul VI and John Paul II continued the work of the Council in their numerous
documents on evangelization. Every
member of the Church is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ wherever they
may be and must be prepared for this task.
Our
own times have provided a climate in which the world has become indifferent to
the Gospel. Human achievements, material wealth, and sensuality are
exalted over a message which dignifies the human person in the light of Christ.
More than ever, the world needs to hear the Good News, as it is adhered
to and loved by those who carry their Christian identity into the family and the
marketplace. This is the New
Evangelization promoted by Pope John Paul II during the past twenty years of his
Pontificate.
This
New Evangelization has been a highlight of the Renewal of the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia. I reaffirm the commitment of the Archdiocese to the work of
evangelization and clearly state that this remains one of our highest
priorities.
V. Liturgy
On
December 4, 1963, Vatican Council II issued the Constitution on the Sacred
Liturgy (Sacrosanctum Concilium). This
document outlined the profound significance of the liturgy in the life of the
Church, stating that “the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity
of the Church is directed; it is also the fount from which all her power flows”(no.
10).
The
dignified celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy must be the focal point of the
life of each parish. When the assembly gathers on Sunday the parish is most
vibrant and it is during the celebration of the Mass that priests can instruct
and inspire their parishioners. What
people experience and celebrate during Sunday Mass remains with them and
sustains them in the practice of their faith throughout the week.
For these reasons, it is critical that pastors continually evaluate the
liturgical praxis within their parishes. Parish
Worship Committees play a significant role in helping prepare the Sunday
liturgy. As these committees
prepare and plan, they also learn about the rich meaning of our rituals.
Forty
years after the Second Vatican Council’s initiation of liturgical reform and
renewal, the Tenth Archdiocesan Synod provided an opportunity to assess
liturgical praxis throughout the entire Archdiocese.
Evident in the responses during the preparatory phase was the love which
people have for the sacred liturgy and their desire to see the liturgy
reverently celebrated. I affirm the
primacy which the liturgy must have in every parish that each Mass will be an
unforgettable encounter with Christ Crucified and Risen who enlightens us with
His Word and nourishes us with His Body and Blood.
I also echo the call of the entire Church to restore the sacredness of
Sunday as a day set apart. Our
Sunday worship must set the tone for this that every person appreciate the
Lord’s day as a day of prayer, charity and rest.
VI.
Marriage and Family
Throughout
her long history, the Church has always taught the sanctity of marriage as a
sacrament and sought the protection and support of traditional family life by
society and governments. Marriage
by God’s design is a permanent, faithful commitment by a man and a woman to
one another for their good and the good of their children.
In this moment of history, when society is experiencing rapidly changing
values and lifestyles, the sanctity of marriage and traditional family life is
under great stress and is often questioned or perceived as irrelevant by growing
numbers in today’s culture.
In
response to the many negative forces at work, the Synod turned its attention to
the affirmation and support of the thousands of Catholic couples faithfully
living out their commitment within the Sacrament of Marriage.
The Synod reaffirmed the timeless teachings of the Church which allow
husband and wife to discover God’s plan of love and life for them and for
their children. While the
responsibilities of love are not always easy, the fulfillment of them in accord
with the law of God, brings forth an increase of love and human growth as well
as true joy and peace. In the
Gospel, Jesus makes clear the desire and plan of God from the beginning.
In His death and resurrection, Jesus offers the grace of God’s life to
assist each person in the fulfillment of their divine call to love and service.
I invite all in our Archdiocese, immersed as they are in the present
culture, to rediscover the power and gift of God’s plan for husband and wife.
I encourage them to access the means provided by the Church to nourish,
heal and restore the sacred trust of the marital state.
VII.
Moral and Social Issues: A Pastoral Response
The
20th Century witnessed an advance in technology unprecedented
throughout history. The marvelous
achievements wrought by science have provided to contemporary humanity means of
improving everyday household tasks, rapid world-wide communications, as well as
home entertainment. Medical science
also has dramatically improved the quality of life through high-technological
procedures which detect, treat and prevent illness.
Simultaneously,
recent decades have seen the burgeoning of large corporations and multi-billion
dollar enterprises, largely in the fields of technology and communications,
which served as icons for capitalism. Human
achievement and materialistic gain became the priority for many. Consequently, the dignity of the human person
became overlooked in favor of the utility of the human person.
The
utilitarian view of the human person, the determination of a person’s worth
based on ability and productivity, led to viewing some persons as undesirable.
The aged, persons chronically infirm or having disabilities, as well as
unborn children were perceived by some as inconveniences which should be
removed. This warped attitude gave
birth to such evils as euthanasia, sterilization and abortion.
Equally
troubling is that in an era characterized by so much wealth among a few, there
is a rise in poverty throughout our nation.
The blight of urban neighborhoods, the tragedy of homeless people,
escapism through substance abuse and violence on the streets and in the homes
weigh heavily on the hearts of those who hope for that peace which only Christ
can give.
The
Synod affirmed the dignity of the human person and decried the many forms of
violence and neglect which have assailed human dignity.
With a profound reverence for the sanctity of all human life, I affirm
the Church’s moral teaching on the right to life and ask all who identify
themselves as Catholic to do the same. At
the same time, in solidarity with the poor, the homeless and the infirm, we must
affirm the Church’s teaching in areas of social justice as we recommit
ourselves to reach out to all our brothers and sisters in need.
VIII.
Roles of Service in the Church and in the World: Clergy
“Jesus
Christ has revealed in Himself the perfect and definitive features of the
priesthood of the new covenant. He
did this through his earthly life, but especially in the central event of His
passion, death and resurrection.”(Pastores Dabo Vobis, no. 13)
While all the faithful share in the one eternal priesthood of Christ, for
the sake of this universal priesthood Jesus in His public life called and
appointed the Twelve to exercise special powers for the sake of the community.
The authenticity and fruitfulness of the apostles’ mission is their “unity
with Jesus, and in Him, with one another and with the Father.” (Pastores
Dabo Vobis, no. 14) Fulfilling
the mission of the Lord, the apostles in turn called other men as bishops,
priests and deacons to continue, through the laying on of hands, the work of the
Lord throughout the ages.
“In
a word, priests exist and act in order to proclaim the Gospel to the world and
to build up the Church in the name and person of Christ the head and shepherd.”
(Pastores Dabo Vobis, no. 15) Similarly,
“Holy Order confers on the deacon a particular participation in the
consecration and mission of Him who became the servant of the Father for the
redemption of all mankind...In virtue of ordination the deacon is truly called
to act in conformity with Christ the Servant.” (Directory for the Ministry
and Life of Permanent Deacons, nos. 46-47)
The
Synod affirmed the clergy in the fulfillment of their unique roles of service
within the Church. At the same
time, the Synod members expressed their deepest admiration and gratitude for the
faithful priests and deacons within the Archdiocese.
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia is very proud that our archdiocesan
seminary is recognized around the world for its outstanding formation and
education of future priests. I also
rejoice in the national and international recognition which our archdiocesan
priests enjoy because of their faithfulness, orthodoxy, dedication, fraternal
support and generosity to those entrusted in to their care.
IX.
Roles of Service in the Church and in the World: Laity
The
Second Vatican Council articulated a new emphasis on the important role which
lay men and lay women fulfill in the life and mission of the Church.
This special role of the laity is best expressed by making Christ present
in the home (the “domestic church”) and in the marketplace.
Pope John Paul II reiterated the Council’s teaching by calling for a
Synod of Bishops in 1987 for the purpose of expounding on the role of the laity.
That synod resulted in the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christifideles
Laici (The Lay Members of Christ’s Faithful).
The Holy Father wrote: “The
basic meaning of this Synod and the most precious fruit desired as a result of
it, is the lay faithful’s hearkening to the call of Christ the Lord to work in
his vineyard, to take an active, conscientious and responsible part in the
mission of the Church in this great moment in history, made especially dramatic
by occurring on the threshold of the Third Millennium” (no. 3).
In
the same document, the Holy Father emphasizes that “[t]he lay faithful
participate in the life of the Church not only in exercising their tasks and
charisms, but also in many other ways. Such participation finds its first and
necessary expression in the life and mission of the particular Church, in the
diocese in which ‘the Church of Christ, one, holy, catholic and apostolic, is
truly present and at work’” (no. 25).
“The ecclesial community, while always having a universal dimension,
finds its most immediate and visible expression in the parish.
It is there that the Church is seen locally.
In a certain sense it is the church living in the midst of the homes of
her sons and daughters” (no. 26).
Throughout
our history, the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia have
contributed their time, talent and treasure in collaboration with the Bishop,
clergy and religious, to strengthen this local Church through the building up of
parishes, schools and institutions. The
sacrifices of the faithful laid a firm foundation which has endured for almost
200 years. This collaboration has
broadened in recent decades beyond the construction and support of facilities to
the actual planning of and participation in pastoral initiatives through Parish
Pastoral Councils, Parish Finance Councils, Cluster Pastoral Planning and
Cluster Implementation Committees. Such
planning bodies have provided opportunities for the lay faithful to express
their hopes and desires for their parishes in a facilitated dialogue designed to
strengthen the witness of the Church as expressed in the parish and clusters of
parishes throughout our Archdiocese.
It
is most heartening to know that so many women and men, old and young, so
actively live and share their faith not only in their parish churches but
especially in their homes, neighborhoods and workplaces.
Most importantly, they articulate their love for the Church which ensures
the vibrancy of this local Church for generations to come.
I affirm the involvement of the laity in their distinct roles in the
mission of the Church as they bear the light of Christ in all that they do.
X.
Roles of Service in the Church and in the World: Religious
Within
the context of the universal call to holiness and the universal call to mission,
consecrated life stands as a unique charism or gift to the Church.
“The consecrated life, deeply rooted in the example and teaching of
Christ the Lord, is a gift of God the Father to His Church through the Holy
Spirit. By the profession of the
evangelical counsels the characteristic features of Jesus – the chaste, poor
and obedient one – are made constantly ‘visible’ in the midst of the world
and the eyes of the faithful are directed towards the mystery of the Kingdom of
God already at work in history, even as it awaits its full realization in heaven”
(Vita Consecrata, no.1).
Throughout
the long history of our Archdiocese, we have been blessed by the personal
witness to Christ of countless numbers of consecrated women and men religious.
They are part of the fabric of our ecclesial life.
While they have served in a variety of ways the needs of our people, it
is their consecration to the evangelical counsels and their imitation of Christ
that have borne much fruit within the Archdiocese.
Aware
of the many challenges facing religious life at this moment in history, the
Synod affirmed the unique witness of consecrated life within our local Church as
well as the many blessings which collaboration among religious, clergy and laity
within the Archdiocese has produced already and will continue to produce in the
future as religious enter diverse roles of leadership and service.
Women and men religious, whose education and teaching backgrounds have
formed generations of Catholics, can be most instrumental in the area of Adult
Faith Formation. As new leaders
emerge from our lay faithful, the talents of our religious will be invaluable in
providing training, just as their witness and commitment provide encouragement
to all to walk in the footsteps of Christ our Teacher and Shepherd.
XI.
Spirituality, the Call to Holiness, and the Sacraments
From
the moment when God breathed life into our first parents, He has constantly
revealed His desire to be close to humanity.
The Scriptures relate again and again how our Heavenly Father draws all
people to Himself. Through His prodigious interventions, through the voices of
His prophets, and, ultimately, through His Divine Son, the Father reveals to
people of every age His longing to be near to His beloved children.
Our response to God’s call is demonstrated by how we live our spiritual
lives. As Christians, we recognize
that the fullness of God’s revelation is Jesus Christ.
As Catholics, we know that we encounter Christ intimately in the
sacraments of the Church.
As
the troublesome situations in the world, terrorism, violence, a volatile
economy, and disheartening scandals, bear heavily on the human heart, more than
ever, people are seeking the strength and serenity which come solely from union
with God. Men and women, old and young, realize that the world’s
solution to problems is only transitory. A
lasting peace can be found, as Saint Augustine teaches, only when the human
heart finds its rest in God.
Throughout
the history of the Church, outstanding men and women have illumined the world by
their embrace of the spiritual life. Others
were so moved by the witness of such persons that they have come to be called
“saints.” Even the saints
acknowledged, however, that holiness is available to all.
In our own times, this renewed awakening of a desire for spirituality was
captured so vividly in the teachings of Vatican Council II: “It is
therefore quite clear that all Christians in any state or walk of life are
called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of love, and by
this holiness a more human manner of life is fostered also in earthly society”
(Lumen Gentium V).
The
Synod affirmed the Church’s universal invitation to every person to embrace a
life of holiness rooted in Christ. The
Archdiocese of Philadelphia remains committed to providing to our parishes and
institutions programs and initiatives to assist everyone with growth in
sanctity.
XII.
Youth and Young Adults
“It
is the nature of human beings, and especially youth, to seek the Absolute, the
meaning and fullness of life. Dear young people, do not be content with anything
less than the highest ideals! Do not let yourselves be dispirited by those who
are disillusioned with life and have grown deaf to the deepest and most
authentic desires of their heart. You are right to be disappointed with hollow
entertainment and passing fads, and with aiming at too little in life. If you
have an ardent desire for the Lord you will steer clear of the mediocrity and
conformism so widespread in our society.” These words of Pope
John Paul II on the occasion of World Youth Day, held in Toronto in July, 2002,
echo the deepest aspirations of youth and the desire of the Church to accompany
youth on their journey of faith in and with Christ.
In
his ardent love and appreciation for youth, Pope John Paul II has embodied the
Church’s renewed fervor to draw closer to herself those who are our greatest
resource. Our youth are the leaders
of the future. As future spouses,
parents, teachers, healers, servants and shepherds for coming generations, they
must be set afire with love for their Catholic Faith.
It is incumbent, then, for pastors and parishes to do all within their
ability to attract young people not only to involvement but also immersion
in the life of the Church. Through
education and formation, both liturgical and spiritual, the Church opens wide
her doors to welcome young people to foster within them attitudes of reverence,
to provide opportunities for service, and, above all, to listen to and fill
their longing for Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Although
our culture is at times hostile to the Gospel and to its message of hope and
life, our youth and young adults are displaying a deep longing for God and a
resurgence of genuine devotion and piety. I
am heartened and deeply gratified to see this work of God’s Spirit in the life
of our young. But we must be
willing to heed the words of Jesus, echoed by the Holy Father, “put out into
the deep” for a catch: “Duc in altum” (Lk 5:4). (Novo Millennio
Ineunte, no. 1)
I
believe that the youth and young adults of this Archdiocese have a profound
longing for Christ, His freedom, His joy, His friendship.
I am confident that when they know Christ as He really is, “they
experience Him as an answer that is convincing and they can accept his message,
even when it is demanding and bears the mark of the Cross.”(Novo
Millennio Ineunte, no. 9) With a similar enthusiasm which marks the young, I
offer Christ and His Church anew to our youth and young adults.
In turn, I encourage them, not only to accept Christ, but
to live Christ. Thus
will our youth not only offer Christ to one another.
They will be Christ for one another.