The Synod process continues in the Archdiocese of Newark
Information Sessions
Nearly 30 Information Sessions in Spanish and English were held around the Archdiocese, both in person and via Zoom recently. Sessions were held at parishes with catechetical leaders, catechists, pastors, and staff. University campus ministers, grade schools, and high schools also participated.
There is a lot of enthusiasm for the synodal process, and we are sure that a great deal of valuable input will be generated through the upcoming Listening Sessions. It is very gratifying that 180 parishes have participated so far!
If a parish could not participate in an Information Session, please visit the Archdiocese of Newark’s Synod website to watch videos about the synodal process.
Listening Sessions
Many parishes and other groups have begun or are planning for their Listening Sessions. Here, you will find a complete Listening Session for parishes, a PowerPoint to use at the session with Cardinal Tobin’s message embedded, table scribe (reporter) notes, and videos for facilitators and table scribes, as well as how to run a Listening Session.
Also, thanks to the generosity of members of our Archdiocese, we have Listening Session and Facilitator Guides in Polish, Portuguese, French, Korean, and some in Chinese. There is also a webpage in Spanish with a myriad of resources.
Youth and Young Adult
The Youth and Young Adult Ministry office, in collaboration with our offices of catechetics and schools, has created resources that will serve youth and also young adults. We have included a link directly to those resources here.
Synod 2023 Accessible Synodality Planning
Our office of Pastoral Ministry with Persons with Disabilities has great resources for the inclusion of all people in the synodal process. These are all very helpful in planning the various styles of Listening Sessions. These valuable resources were included in the Synod on Synodality media pages from the Vatican.
Covid-19 Challenges
This is a challenging time with the pandemic and new strains. We want everyone to stay safe and healthy, so you may want to consider some Listening Sessions on Zoom with breakout rooms or push back your sessions to February and March. We can extend the synthesis reports to April and update you on the actual date.
Visit our Synod page on the Archdiocese of Newark’s website.
Sister Donna Ciangio, O.P., is the Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Newark and a local Archdiocesan coordinator of the synodal process in the Archdiocese along with Father Bismarck Chau, the rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart.
Featured image: The Archdiocese of Newark officially began its synodal journey with Catholics around the world on Oct. 17, 2021, in preparation for the Synod of Bishops in 2023. Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., led Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. The synod will explore the theme, “For a synodal church: communion, participation, and mission. (Photo: Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
