Thank you for responding to the invitation of Pope Francis and Bishop David Bonnar, Bishop of Youngstown, to participate in a worldwide synodal process, leading to the Synod of Bishops in 2023.
The word "synod" means to "journey together" and this synod begins at the local and diocesan level.
WHO IS THIS FOR? | EVERYONE is encouraged to be part of this synodal process - we want to hear about the thoughts and experiences of people of all ages, however you participate or have participated in Church life, wherever you are on your faith journey.
This form is for everyone - it is your opportunity to participate in the Synod by offering your thoughts. We invite you to fill out this form, whether or not you are participating in additional consultations during this synodal journey. Although the formal diocesan phase of the Synod has passed, and input gathered into a summary document, this form continues to be available for you to reflect and share your input.
AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REFLECTION | This form is not just a survey: it is intended as a reflection tool to allow you to enter into this process, and to do what Pope Francis invites all of us to do: to "dream" about what it means to be a Church that "journeys together" with communion, participation, and mission. By filling out this form, you have the opportunity to reflect on questions that are being considered by all of the faithful around the world and in various ways in our diocese.
HOW LONG WILL THIS FORM TAKE TO FILL OUT? | You are invited to take some time to reflect on these questions in a spirit of prayer. If you choose to watch all the videos (total time: about 15 minutes) and take time for reflection, it could take you about an hour. There is one "fundamental question" and then ten additional question areas that can help us explore what it means to "walk together." Don't feel you need to respond to every detail, but you are invited to listen to the Spirit and to the experiences of your brothers and sisters in Christ, and respond with an attitude of both "listening" and "boldness."
FOR THOSE CHALLENGED BY TECHNOLOGY | Be not afraid! Another option is to go through the survey prayerfully, watching videos as you wish, and then email your responses to Rev. Msgr. John Zuraw. The questions, along with Msgr. Zuraw's email, can also found at
www.doy.org/synodalpath/WHAT'S NEXT | Your insights will be compiled by the Diocese of Youngstown's Synod Team, and our diocesan input will then be submitted as consultations continue at national and regional levels, leading to the 2013 Synod of Bishops in Rome. An implementation phase will then follow, again involving local Churches.
But, as the Guide to the Synod puts it, "the purpose of of the synod is not to produce more documents. It is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be." We hope that, after reflecting on these questions, each of us will continue to dream and dialogue more about what it means to be a synodal Church that "journeys together."
A PRAYER TO THE SPIRIT
Every session of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 4 April 636). As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. For the Synod 2021-2023, we are using this simplified adapted version:
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.
