Final Document Lent Reflections Series
Be ‘called to the journey’ to reflect each week during Lent on key passages of the Final Synod Document
On a journey through the wilderness of Lent, we invite you to join us as part of the School for Synodality in taking time to dwell on what it means to journey together and open ourselves to hear the whispers of God along the way.
We offer some spiritual reflection through material drawn from our resource, A Feast for All Peoples. Each week of Lent, we offer a piece of scripture, brief notes, a passage from the Final Document, and a reflective question to ponder.
We invite you to accompany us, praying for the grace to continue on the synodal path, whether in small steps or great leaps, always together.
We hope you will be encouraged to pray through to Week 7, when the journey concludes on Easter Monday. There, in the joy of the Resurrection, we will share the banquet prepared by Jesus on the lakeshore for his disciples.
Start the Journey here…
What to expect:
What is a self guided reflection?
Taking time to be still and reflect on your own terms in your own way using the reflection prompts. This is entirely for your own growth and spiritual nourishment, but with the knowledge that others all round the world will be reflecting on the same passages.
How to use this reflection series?
This can be used wherever you are, in your own time and in whatever context you are in. You may wish to start with your own short prayer such as the Our Father or Come, Holy Spirit. We suggest you take time to read each section (perhaps more than once) slowly and with intention. Be aware of your inner responses, as the Holy Spirit may speak to you in those quiet moments. You may wish to return to the series during the week as you ponder the reflection question.
Do I need to know about synodality or the Final Synod Document?
You do not need to know about synodality or the Final Synod Document to engage with this reflection series. Synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition, and this series is one opportunity to answer this call. For more about synodality we suggest you explore our Getting Started and FAQ pages.
The School for Synodality has also put together a helpful guide to the Final Synod Document which includes our Book Club that takes it chapter by chapter with expert speakers, Lectio Divina for certain passages and our small group resource A Feast for All Peoples upon which this reflection series is based.
A Feast for All Peoples - Small Group Resources
A Feast for All Peoples our new small group resource is aimed to support groups in exploring pathways to synodality through scripture, the Final Document and Conversations in the Spirit.
Synodality 101: Our Workshops
Learn about our online series of workshops with practical application on hosting Conversations in the Spirit in your own contexts.
How do we listen to each other well? How do we step back from our own agendas to be attentive to where the Spirit is moving? How can we make better decisions about organising ourselves as Christian communities? How do we enrich our parish communal life with enriching conversations?
The Synod process has emphasised the importance of listening and good conversations in our community life. However these are not always so easy in practice! This 101: Conversations in the Spirit workshop series will introduce the principles of holding prayerful, truthful and safe conversations which value gracious listening and courageous speaking. It is suitable for all levels of experience including people who have not been involved in the Synod process so far.
Each week there will be an opportunity to experience a Conversation in the Spirit, helping to deepen our understanding of how this tool can be used to support us in talking and listening more effectively.
After attending these workshops, we hope you will have the resources you need to hold a conversation in the spirit in your community.
What to Expect:
Reflect on and experience synodality
Look at the process of Conversation in the Spirit
Draw lessons from Jesus’ ministry on the underpinning attitudes and dispositions needed for enabling Conversations in the Spirit
Consider the role of the facilitator
Give options for what to do if you do not have facilitators
Unpack the experience of the Conversation in the Spirit process
Notice the skills needed to support people in such conversations
Think about how to handle some tricky situations that may arise
Experience prayer that builds on the principles of synodality
Look at ways you might use what you are learning in your parish/group/setting
““The small group spiritual conversations were really enriching - both from the perspective of practicing skills, but also from the experience of having a spiritual conversation with people we wouldn’t otherwise ordinarily connect with.””
Conversation in the Spirit Resource Cards
We have created these helpful cards that can be used to facilitate Conversations in the Spirit within your own communities. We have a professional printer version and a standard home printing version.