Synod 2021-2023
Synod on Synodality

Pope Francis is asking all dioceses and parishes throughout the world to hold listening sessions to hear what the Holy Spirit is asking of the Church in the 21st century. All are invited to participate in a listening session to pray, listen, and discern where the Holy Spirit is leading the Church.

In the parish setting, parish staff, parishioners, youth, young adults, parents of children in the school or religious education program, and those missing — who may have left the parish during the pandemic or for other reasons should feel welcome to come. We encourage as many people as possible to participate! The goal of the listening session is to gather together to share our experiences and ideas.

The Dean of Deanery 16 welcomes all parishioners in our deanery to attend a deanery wide Listening Session on January 20, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in Madonna Hall at Immaculate Conception Church located in Montclair, NJ. The meeting is sponsored by our deanery with Archdiocesan officials in attendance. To sign up, please call the Parish Center at 973-235-1100 and leave your name, email and cell phone number in order to reserve a seat. This will be an in person event. If the Archdiocese decides to make this a remote session, you will be notified via email or text with the link in order to login and be able to participate. In preparation for this event, please take some time to read and reflect on the questions that will be discussed at the Listening Session. (see questions below)

Pope Francis’s Invitation

Our Holy Father Pope Francis has invited the Catholic Church to embark on a journey together. Through listening and discernment rooted in the Holy Spirit, the entire people of God will be called to contribute to a process by which the Church deepens in understanding of Her mission and looks toward the future.

What is a Synod?

A Synod, which is the process by which the Church will begin this important work is not just a convening of Bishops reflecting on a particular topic and advising the Pope. A Synod is a journey of discernment, in which the people of God are called to pray and reflect upon the Holy Spirit’s will for the Church. Through our listening and our sharing, we will seek to understand what the Holy Spirit’s will is for the topic being discussed – and thus, for the Church.

Learn more about the synodal process by visiting the Archdiocesan website: http://www.rcan.org/synod2023

SYNOD PRAYER for the ARCHDIOCESE of NEWARK
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
Amen.