Synod 2021-23 Update | 22 October 2021

Pope Francis has invited us to embark on a journey together. This requires us to evaluate, discuss, think and dialogue together so we can determine, as we have done throughout the history of the Church, the direction forward.

This an opportunity we haven't had before. Over the coming weeks you are invited to participate in this journey, to join us as we look to the future. 

Let's make it an adventure

Last Sunday, 17 October 2021, Cardinal John Dew celebrated the Opening Liturgy for the Synod for our Diocese at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. 

During his homily, Cardinal John echoed the words of Pope Francis and invited us to join in the adventure of this journey.

He went on to say "Trust in God, move forward with courage, build unity through discernment, discover and help bring about God’s dream for us, be positive and enthusiastic. Take seriously that word ‘enthusiasm’ which means ‘to be filled with God!’" 

Listen to or read his homily here >

The Listening Stage

We are excited that the listening stage of our diocesan experience of this Synod will get underway on 1st November 2021 - that's next Sunday! Groups and individuals from all across the diocese are invited to gather in groups and make submissions based on your discernment and dialogue throughout November. 

We will be providing resources to help you in these groups, or as an individual. These resources include a range of questions you may want to respond to. This stage of our process will run from 1st to 30th November and submissions will be open during this time.

Keep an eye out on our website as resources are made available next week.

pndiocese.org.nz/synod >

Links worth a look

One of the key resources that is part of a synod is called a Preparatory Document. Cardinal John said that "the document we have been given to help us prepare for the Synod invites everyone, all the baptized, to imagine, to dream what the future of the Church can be."

In preparing for the beginning of the listening stage you may like to look at some of these resources: