For those in our community who are unable or uncomfortable joining a listening session on Zoom or in person, below is an online written survey so that you might add to the conversation of our parish.  We ask that you read through the Opening Prayer and Synod Listening guide before answering the questions. Thank you for participating.

Opening Prayer
Our Synod journey takes place in the midst of where the Church ordinarily lives and works in the day to day lives of the faithful.  The Synodal process invites each one of us, the People of God, to recall that we journey together.  Moreover, in that journey of faith, we are called to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit.
ALL:  Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in us the fire of  your love.

Welcome & Introduction
The Synod involves active listening.  Listening is at the heart of our conversation today.  Remember to give your full attention to each other and listen to the voice of God in your hearts.  Listen for understanding by taking to heart what other people share.  As we share, individuals will speak, one at a time, without interruption, while others listen.  Everyone will have a chance to speak but no one must feel that they are obliged to say anything.

The entire Catholic Church is called to participate in this Synod.  It is entitled “For a Synodal Church:  Communion, Participation, and Mission.”  Synod is a Greek work (synodos) meaning a meeting or assembly.  The two Greek words that make up Synod are syn, meaning together, and hodos, meaning way or journey.
Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together.  This Synod is not just another meeting with oral presentations and written reports.  This Synod is a process of journeying together.  As the Church, we will listen to each other, dialogue with each other, pray together, discern together and make decisions together for the purpose of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.

Pope Francis is asking each local diocese to gather together – laity, religious and clergy – to first listen to each other’s joys and hopes, griefs and anxieties.  We are called to listen, talk and pray together so that we can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.  The goal of our journeying together is to be present with one another, to listen and learn with each other, and to grow closer to God and our church.

For the Community of St. Ann, we are guided by our Mission Statement:
The Mission of St. Ann Church is to live the good news of Jesus Christ.  To create a family/community of faith that lives with integrity and justice.  To care for those who are most vulnerable, and to treat one another and all those we encounter with dignity and respect.  We welcome the Holy Spirit and the challenges and commitments to which we are called.