Click for explanation / Presione para explicar

 Home Glossary Feedback Contact

Synod Prayer
Background
Organization
Consultation

Our Vocation
Timeline
En Español

 

 

 

What are the steps toward the Synod event itself?

Between now and the Fall of 2002, the Synod process will move through various phases.

During the preparatory phase, the Office for the Archdiocesan Synod will cooperate with the General Preparatory Commission to facilitate the formation of all the working groups and prepare the documentation necessary to guide the process. A communication plan will be developed along with a practical outline of the logistics for the Synod.
During the spiritual and educational phase, the General Preparatory Commission will assist all those involved in the Synod to prepare though prayer and study. It is important that the ideas brought into the consultation are rooted in the knowledge of the Faith and of the Church's mission. During these phases, parishes, clusters and Catholic Institutions will receive materials for study and reflection.
The next phase, the consultative phase will give each Catholic an opportunity to voice concerns and opinions regarding the topics put before them.
The final phase of preparing recommendations will begin when the synodal commissions have received the results of the consultation. Each commission will address significant questions about the topics under consideration and will draft proposals for the study, review and discussion by the Synod members. Final recommendations will be determined in the formal sessions of the Synod and these will be presented to Cardinal Bevilacqua for his consideration.

The Tenth Synod will open with Mass celebrated on Sunday, September 15, 2002, at 2:30 p.m., in the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

The Synod will be conducted in three Sessions:

Session One: September 20 and 21, 2002
Session Two: October 18 and 19, 2002
Session Three: November 15 and 16, 2002

The Synod will conclude with Mass on Sunday, December 8, 2002, at 2:30 p.m., in the Cathedral-Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul.

The faithful are invited and encouraged to attend the opening and closing celebrations for the Synod.

 

What will result from the Synod?

The results of the Synod will be many. Some of these will be experienced in the initial sharing of the faithful during the consultation part of the process.

As people engage in discussion around their ideas and concerns for the future of the Church in Philadelphia, they will come to a deeper knowledge and love for their faith and a deeper sharing of unity in Christ.

Once Cardinal Bevilacqua has publicly confirmed the outcomes of the Synod, the Archdiocese will begin an implementation phase putting into action the initiatives addressed in the Synodal recommendations he approves. It is the hope of the Office for the Archdiocesan Synod that, during this implementation phase, the Archdiocese will be infused with renewed faith, a rich hope for a vital future and a deeper communion of love for Christ and one another.

Ultimately, the purpose of this tenth Synod of the Archdiocese will be accomplished as it renews the hearts of the People of God, deepens their sense of the mission of the Church and unites them in purpose and practice.

 
    
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