With the 1st phase of the Synod now behind us, it is time to make sure that the voices of the People of God continue to be heard and included as we move into the 2nd phase: the Continental Stage of the Synod. In case you did not see it, here is the Document for the Continental Stage (DCS) for the 2nd phase of the Synod: Document-for-Continental-Stage.pdf (synod.ie).
We have only a short time to participate in consultations with our bishops and return our reflections back to the Offices of the Conferences of Bishops. Contact your bishop by phone or email and request to be included in his consultations. If your bishop does not respond to your outreach, don’t stop there. Rather, gather your organization or a small group of concerned Christians, and, after prayerfully discerning the DCS, send a short report directly to your Conference of Bishops of what you approve in the document and what is left out that you believe should be included. As a backup, also send your report directly to the synod office, notifying them that you were unsuccessful in being included in your own bishop’s consultation and want your updates to be included in the DCS: synodus@synod.va and copy Sr. Nathalie Becquart: n.becquart@synod.va.
Speak up to express your views about the Document for the Continental Synod
Whether you are an active or disillusioned Catholic or among the marginalized or of another faith, Pope Francis wants to hear from you. If you are unable to consult with your bishop, we invite you to join with us to share your reflections on what you support in the DCS and what has been omitted that you want to have added or further clarified in the document. Click here to learn the dates and times of these synodal gatherings.
