Synod on Synodality- "Communion, Participation, Mission" - Preparations begin!
As the month began, the Vatican released the long-awaited background documents to guide the process leading up to the next general ordinary Synod of Bishops in 2023. This first phase, called the Diocesan Phase, is an invitation to Bishops all over the world, to listen to the voice of the Spirit speaking through- well, everyone! Asked to listen not only to people actively involved with the Church but to those who are disenchanted, those who may have left, those who have never felt welcome, and people in the community whose lives and work are impacted by the Church -including members of other faiths and civic leaders, bishops have their work cut out for them. Pope Francis really does think Catholic means "here comes everybody!"
You can find the background documents at our website on our newly-created Synodality page:
Synodality — Concerned Lay Catholics
Read what you should be expecting to happen in your diocese between October 2021 and April 2022. Check back regularly as we provide updates on what is happening across the country and identify opportunities to participate.
If you want to get more involved, please let us know what is happening with the process where you live. Our Synodality Planning Committee wants to hear from you! Email us at concernedlaycatholics@gmail.com
CCCB Announces steps to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of Canada
On September 24, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, at the conclusion of their plenary meeting, released a statement of apology to residential school survivors and all Indigenous peoples. The statement addresses a number of painful questions, including the shortfall of the fundraising campaign required under the IRSSA, the release of church records regarding the operations of residential schools, and the call for a papal apology. Following Friday's statement, on Monday September 27, the CCCB released a statement regarding a $30 m fundraising campaign to further healing and reconciliation efforts with Canada's indigenous peoples.
The full statements can be read at our website. Follow this link.
CCCB Announces steps to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples of Canada — Concerned Lay Catholics
CLC Fall/Winter Speakers Series
