Small Group Consultations for the military Catholic Faith Community
The Archdiocesan phase for the synod has concluded. The Continental phase has begun. The resources below may be used to encourage listening sessions locally.
Resources
These resources were developed for the Archdiocesan phase of Synod on Synodality. These may still be used at the local level to encourage listening through a prayerful process.
- Fundamental Questions Handout (pdf) – Send the fundamental questions to those who will be participating in the listening session two weeks prior to the event so that they may prayerfully discern their responses.
- Format for the Local Listening Session – The format for a three round listening session was provided in the Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality.
- Example Half-Day Listening Session (pdf) – This event could be planned for a Saturday morning or during a weekday evening.
These resources were shared by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to encourage dialogue and discernment at the local level.
- Communities of Salt and Light: Reflections on the Social Mission of the Parish – This statement offers a basic resource for pastors, parish leaders, and all Catholics seeking to strengthen the social ministry of their local community. The bishops’ reflection represents neither major new teaching nor a new national program. Rather, it brings together the principles of our social teaching and local pastoral experience in a framework for vibrant Catholic communities.
- Following Pope Fracis: Dialogue in Fratelli Tutti – This resource explores the themes and ideas in Fratelli Tutti to recognize that the ability to dialogue across perspectives is essential in order that social love can inspire “new ways of approaching the problems of today’s world, of profoundly renewing structures, social organizations and legal systems from within” (Fratelli Tutti, no. 183).
- Loving Our Neighbor Through Dialogue – This resource can be used by parishes and dioceses to reflect and engage in authentic dialogue with their family, neighbors, and friends.
Prayer for the Synod on Synodality
Attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (560-636), it has been traditionally used at Councils and Synods for hundreds of years. The version below was specifically designed for the Church’s Synodal journey from 2021 to 2024.
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.
