In this presentation, Sr. Donna Ciangio, Chancellor to Cardinal Tobin in Newark, New Jersey, offered a step-by-step guide to setting up diocesan and parish pastoral councils. Sister used PowerPoint slides, which you can save and use to set up a new council or adjust existing councils that need to be more inclusive of lay representation in your community.
Here is the recording for this presention: GMT20250501 140040 Recording 1920×1080 2.
Next steps
All parishes are guided to implement synodal listening sessions and discernment processes in their parishes.
Donna and her team to continue providing training and resources to parish pastoral councils on synodal processes and pastoral planning.
Parish pastoral councils to conduct surveys and gather input from parishioners on parish priorities and needs.
Parishes to develop 3-5 year pastoral plans based on synodal listening and discernment.
Dioceses to consider updating canon law to require parish pastoral councils in all parishes.
Parishes to ensure diversity of ages, cultures, and backgrounds on pastoral councils.
Parishes to improve communication and transparency between pastors, councils, and parishioners.
Dioceses and parishes to explore ways to engage and retain young people and women in the church.
Parishes to train lay leaders to take on more administrative and pastoral roles to address priest shortages.
CCRI to distribute AI summary and recording of this webinar to participants for sharing with local parishes.
Summary
Fr. Joe Healey discussed the new system in Rome for the Synod on Synodality and the celebration of Saint Joseph the worker on May 1st. He mentioned Pope Francis’ fondness for Saint Joseph and his practice of entrusting his needs and concerns to Saint Joseph before sleep. Fr. Joe welcomed Sister Donna Ciangio, a Dominican sister of Powell, New Jersey, who is the Chancellor of Newark archdiocese and is involved in coordinating synodality and the ongoing process of the synodal process. Sister Donna’s talk focused on establishing and supporting Pastoral Councils for both dioceses and parishes, using her own archdiocese as a case study.
Interactive Webinar Discussion on Synodality
In the meeting, Fr. Joe welcomed everyone and emphasized the interactive nature of the discussion. Donna Ciangio was introduced as the speaker for the session. The attendees shared their reasons for attending the webinar, with Margaret Mary and Ashiknaz expressing their desire for deeper engagement in their parish activities. Geoff, a retired priest from Australia, shared his interest in the synodal way of acting and its promotion by Pope Francis. Alexina, who has been inactive in a parish for 40 years, asked about the prospect of interaction and the possibility of an alternative church. Donna acknowledged these questions and indicated that she would address them during her presentation.
Synodality and Pastoral Councils in Newark
Donna discussed the implementation of synodality and pastoral councils in the Archdiocese of Newark. She explained that the diocese aims to be a synodal church on multiple levels, with a shared vision and mission. The Archdiocese has mandated parish pastoral councils, and Donna has been training these councils to focus on visioning and planning for the future rather than just organizing events. She emphasized the importance of listening, inclusion, and discernment in the synodal process, both at the diocesan and parish levels.
Parish Councils and Pastoral Planning The discussion focused on the structure and processes of parish pastoral councils. Donna explained that councils should have staggered 3-year terms for members, with a discernment process for selecting new members rather than elections. She emphasized the importance of having a chairperson (not the pastor), a secretary to take minutes, and regular monthly meetings. Donna described her work supporting parishes in developing pastoral plans, including conducting surveys, holding assemblies, and creating 3-5 year plans. She stressed the need for councils to communicate their activities to parishioners and to focus on mission rather than just maintenance. Donna also discussed resources her diocese provides, including guidelines, videos, and a planning guide for implementing synodal priorities
Engaging Diverse Generations in the Church
Donna discussed the diverse generations in the United States, emphasizing the need for parishes to understand and engage with these groups. She highlighted the challenges of retaining younger generations, particularly women, in the church due to issues of equality and personal success. Donna suggested that involving younger generations in decision-making processes could lead to increased commitment and ownership. She also mentioned the importance of understanding the reasons behind the decline in church participation, such as the perception of unequal treatment of women and men.
Engaging Young People in the Church
Donna discussed the challenges of engaging young people in the Catholic Church, emphasizing the need for a welcoming and inclusive environment. She highlighted the importance of relationship building with pastors and parish councils, and encouraged them to reach out to people and understand their needs. Donna also stressed the need for the Church to step out of its preconceived notions and adapt to the changing needs of young people, offering them a sense of spirituality and community. She suggested that the Church should focus on building engagement and respect for all members, rather than relying solely on the Mass.
Parish Pastoral Councils and Synodality
Donna discussed two documents used by parish pastoral councils: a planning booklet for pastoral planning and guidelines for pastoral councils. She explains that the planning booklet is a simple tool to help parishes develop plans for welcoming people, based on synod priorities. The guidelines document provides instructions on how to run pastoral councils. Donna also addressed a question about working with bishops who are not supportive of synodality, suggesting that parishioners could try to engage in dialogue about existing practices such as Eucharistic adoration. Fr. Joe mentioned upcoming events in the synodal process, including the election of a new Pope and reports from the ten working committees expected in June.
Parish Councils and Diocesan Governance
The discussion covered several topics related to parish pastoral councils and diocesan governance. Donna explained that synodal processes differ from consultative processes by being more prayerful and facilitated. She noted that Cardinal Tobin’s leadership style is greatly appreciated, though cultural differences can create challenges in implementing synodal approaches. The group discussed issues of communication between pastors and councils, with Alloys highlighting the importance of effective collaboration. Donna emphasized the need for transparency and suggests using meals and conversations to improve relationships. The conversation also touched on how wealthier parishes in Newark support poorer ones through various initiatives. Finally, Daniel raises concerns about the declining number of priests and its impact on parishes.
Laypeople and Religious in Parishes
In the meeting, Donna discussed the need for laypeople and religious to take on administrative roles in parishes, emphasizing the importance of training and stepping up to the plate. Fr. Joe added that Pope Francis encouraged bold and creative thinking, and suggested that ordaining more permanent deacons could be a solution. Rene thanked everyone for their participation, promising to share the AI summary and recording of the event soon.
“We Are His Witnesses: A Pastoral Letter to the Clergy, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Archdiocese of Newark”
Microsoft Word – We are His Witnesses_Jan 6 2025 FINAL
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We have begun to genuinely join our voices together behaving as a synodal Church. Let us now be willing to assume co-responsibility for our role in our parishes or Small Christian Communities. Becoming a synodal church will not happen unless we the laity together with our clergy initiate the process. We will keep you informed of more to come as we move forward to become a more synodal Church. We will continue to offer more online gatherings as a community.
On behalf of the CCRI steering committee,
Rene Reid, CCRI director May 1, 2025