THE BISHOP’S NOTES: Archdiocesan pre-synodal meeting, sharing of vicariate syntheses

Most Rev. George Rimando, auxiliary bishop of Davao shared his personal notes on the vicariate syntheses during the archdiocesan pre-synodal meeting last March 15, 2022. These pieces of information are a glimpse of the required 10-page synthesis that would be crafted and submitted in the CBCP office in Manila on June 3.

Here are the initial key concerns, common among the vicariate syntheses:

• Encouraging a continual engagement in synodal process in various communities: BEC/Parish/ vicariate and archdiocesan level; Emphasis is on listening in the context of discernment;
• Sustained and integral holistic ongoing formation among priests and lay leaders, especially among the GKK servant leaders (GSLs); also among local church pastoral and parish workers/staff as frontliners sa simbahan;
• For the church to give attention to those in the peripheries/margins and less active in parish life; a church that is inclusive, welcoming and participative;
• Enhancing relationships between priests and lay faithful, among priests and among lay leaders;
• Presence and availability of clergy in the life of the people in various sectors/groups;
• Special attention to be given to family & life ministry and also to youth ministry;
• Promotion of the spirituality of stewardship;
• Attention be given to “discriminated” groups in society/communities;
• Environmental and social issues be addressed;
• Uniqueness of every vicariate in their parish setting. For example, St. James, the indigenous peoples (IPs) urban -rural setting etc.;

Listening and looking at the faces of those who attended the meeting, everyone showed traces of both pride and relief that as an archdiocese, as a community, we were able to reach our goals based on the output we have come up with. We are beginning to appreciate the synodality process and that we are excited to take part in more synods in the future. (Christine Camus)