‘Pathways’ - new Synodality Implementation Document
Image credit: Synod Va
The General Secretariat of the Synod has published ‘Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod’, a guide outlining the implementation phase and answering some fundamental questions that have often been addressed to the Secretariat in recent months.
The Synodal Process was always designed in phases, aiming to support the journey of synodality into church teaching. Phase one was the ‘Consultation of the People of God’, Phase two the ‘Discernment of the Pastors’ (which included the two Synod Assemblies 2023-2024) and finally the third phase - ‘The Implementation for a Synodal Church’.
It’s important to highlight that Pathways does not supersede the Final Synod Document (from the Second Session of the 16th Assembly in 2024, which can be viewed here >>), but is an accompanying document to support the the implementation of it.
The introduction in ‘Pathways’ by Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod explains that the Pathways proposed are for the “entire People of God, who are the subjects of the synodal journey, and in particular to the Bishops and Eparchs, to the members of the synodal teams and to all those who are involved in various ways in the implementation phase”.
“The aim is of making them feel our support and continuing the dialogue that has characterised the entire synodal process. The content of this text is in fact rooted in the feedback received from the Churches over the past few months and in the fruits of the experiences they have shared. Building on the contributions and questions it will receive from the Churches and on what will appear to be useful, the Secretariat will offer further insights and tools to accompany and support the common effort, in the hope of collaborating to make the implementation phase of the Synod even more fruitful.”
The text of Pathways looks at these main questions:
1. What is the implementation phase and what are its objectives?
2. Who will participate in the implementation phase? What are their tasks and responsibilities?
2.1. The responsibility of the diocesan or eparchial Bishop
2.2. The task of the synodal teams and participatory bodies
2.3. The role of the groupings of Churches
2.4. The service of the General Secretariat of the Synod
3. How to engage with the FD during the implementation phase?
3.1. Preserving the overall vision
3.2. Investing in concrete practices
4. What method and tools can help shape our path during the implementation phase?
4.1. Ecclesial discernment
4.2. A synodal approach to designing and accompanying processes