We are the Catholic Church in Northern Nevada: Diocese of Reno A diocese is a portion of the People of God which is entrusted to a bishop to be shepherded by him with the cooperation of the presbyterate. Thus adhering to its pastor and gathered together by him through the Gospel and the Eucharist in the Holy Spirit, it constitutes a particular church in which the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church of Christ is truly present and operative (Decree on the Pastoral Office of Bishops #11).
The Church: A Communion of Churches Th[e] collegial union [between the successor of Peter and the bishops] is apparent also in the mutual relations of the individual bishops with particular churches and with the universal Church. The Roman Pontiff, as the successor of Peter, is the perpetual and visible principle and foundation of unity of both bishops and of the faithful. The individual bishops, however, are the visible principle and foundation of unity in their particular churches, fashioned after the model of the universal Church, in and from which churches comes into being the one and only Catholic Church. For this reason, the individual bishops represent each his own church, but all of them together and with the Pope represent the entire Church in the bond of peace, love and unity (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church #23).
We, the Catholic Church in Northern Nevada, have a Mission Entrusted to us by Christ As I said in the article I wrote to the Northern Nevada Catholic: By our baptism, all of us clergy, religious and laity are responsible for the mission Christ has entrusted to us as a body. How do we prayerfully discern together the way we are to fulfill this mission here and now? How can we listen together to the prompting of the Holy Spirit so that we may walk together where the Spirit leads?
How do People see us as a Church? What Do they See? How do we come across to them?
The Letters to the Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation Ephesus: Your deeds, labors, patient endurance are known; but you have turned aside from your early love. Smyrna: Your tribulation and the slander you endure are known. Have no fear and remain faithful. Sardis: You have a reputation of being alive, when in fact you are dead. Wake up! Philadelphia: Your strength is limited, yet you have held fast to God s Word. Laodicea: You are neither hot nor cold: you are lukewarm. You are complacent in your sense of security and self-sufficiency.
What would the Letter to the Church in Reno say? What do we want it to say? What characteristics do we want known and be apparent?
See how they love one another (Tertullian) I pray also for those who will believe in me through their [disciples ] word, that they may be one as you Father, are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me (John 17:20-21).
Create a culture of Encounter
Without a vision, a people perish (Proverbs 29:18). Or they just drift along.
Unless a vision is shared, it is not Effective
Moment on the Mountain Top
What is a Diocesan Synod? The Code of Canon Law (1983): Canon 460: A diocesan synod is a group of selected priests and other members of the Christian faithful of a particular church who offer assistance to the diocesan bishop for the good of the whole diocesan community according to the norm of the following canons (461-468).
Members of the Diocesan Synod: Prior to Vatican II and 1983, those who participated in the synod were clergy designated according to the law. Incorporating the theology of Vatican II, the current law includes the laity as members and even allows for the presence as observers of ministers or members of Churches or ecclesial communities not in full communion with the Catholic Church.
Purpose of the Diocesan Synod: To offer assistance to the diocesan bishop for the good of the whole diocesan community (Code of Canon Law) The purpose of the diocesan synod is to assist the Bishop in the exercise of the office proper to him, namely, that of governing the Christian community.this is a particular form of that responsibility and concerns all of the faithful in building up the body of Christ ( Vatican Instruction on Diocesan Synods)
Precise Canonical Character
A Diocesan Synod Has a Solemnity From the Ceremonial of Bishops: From the longstanding practice of the Church, a council or a diocesan synod includes liturgical services, modeled on the celebrations recorded in Acts 15:6-29. The governance of the Church is never to be looked upon as a mere administrative act; under the influence of the Holy Spirit, its governing assemblies are gathered in the name of God and for God s glory, and they therefore are an expression of the unity of the Mystical Body of Christ, which shines with greatest clarity in the liturgy. It is right that those who bear the one responsibility together also share in the one prayer together.
What is the Synod s Competence? It is described in documents as general and broad in that it freely deliberates on the questions that are proposed to it and it presents usually by vote its recommendations to the bishop, who alone has the authority to approve and execute them. However, it does not have competence to pronounce on doctrinal matters or decide theological controversies or enact laws contrary to the universal law of the Church
How does the Synod Work? As with Vatican II and the Synod of Bishops, a Diocesan Synod is a process that involves a number of phases that build on one another: Phase leading to bishop s decision to convoke the synod The convocation of the Diocesan Synod: Pentecost, 2013 Antepreparatory phase: committee of Presbyteral Council as Oversight Committee for the entire process; appointment of Coordinator The constitution of the Preparatory Commission: to prepare for 1) the participation of the entire diocese and 2) the celebration of the synod The participation of the entire diocese The celebration of the synod The implementation of the synod s work
The Preparatory Commission
The Preparatory Commission Designs, organizes and facilitates the participation of the entire diocese Consultation phase is critical and not simply a matter of asking people s opinion Preparation for this phase and for the whole synod process involves prayer and spiritual formation/renewal opportunity Catechesis on the Church s nature and mission so as to help people think with the Church (sentire cum ecclesia) Formation in listening to one another & the Holy Spirit
The Preparatory Commission Conducts broad based (all voices to be heard) consultation: how to do it and what to ask and discuss Gathers what is heard in consultation and organizes it for the questions/issues to be proposed at the synod, i.e., the agenda for the synod deliberation Develops the Directory for the synod, i.e., the synod play book, involving the Composition of the synod Method of selecting members Offices: presidency, moderator, secretary, commissions Procedures for the meetings Is responsible for the liturgical celebrations and logistics involved in the synod
What Can/Will It Accomplish? Shared vision and direction for mission of the diocese Pastoral initiatives, plans, directives, declarations, statutes Initiatives shape allocation of resources & possible strategic planning The initiatives or outcomes of the synod can touch on all aspects of the diocese and parishes Legislation (statutes) Through the entire process itself a spiritual awakening and renewal, a greater sense of Church and mission, and a strengthened unity able to carry out our mission more effectively
The Theme and Logo of the Diocesan Synod
Pope Francis to the Diocesan Community of Assisi as it Prepares Its Synod:
.walking. It is one of my favorite words when I think about a Christian and about the Church. However, it has a special meaning for you: you are about to enter into the diocesan Synod. To hold a synod means to walk together. I think this is truly the most powerful experience we can have: to belong to a people walking, journeying through history together with their Lord who walks among us! We are not alone, we do not walk alone We are part of the one flock of Christ, walking together (October 4, 2013).