Diocesan Synod
October 11 through 13, 2004

The official Diocese of Sacramento Synod was held October 11 through 13, 2004 at St. Isidore Parish. Over 450 delegates attended, representing our clergy, religious and laity from each of the 99 parishes within the Diocese. St. Isidore parish and parishioners were honored to host this historical event and the Holy Spirit truly visited us and provided guidance to our Bishops and all of the delegates.

This web page is a small but important effort to document the convening of the Synod at St. Isidore. The pictures below, interspersed with the draft recommendations, are provided to inform our parishioners and other visitors of the tremendous commitment that the parish and over 60 parishioner volunteers provided to ensure the success of the Synod. You are welcome to enjoy and share in these memories.

Synod Recommendations
Note: Presented in original language.
Final synod document to be promulgated Janauary 2005.
Family Faith Formation:
Since parents are the primary educators of their children, develop programs to help parents with catechesis for themselves and their children to promote the Catholic family, introduce religious symbols and enrich the domestic church by providing nurturing and educational opportunities, such as Retrovaille, marriage encounter, bible groups, natural family planning, etc.
Vocations:
Increase efforts to inform and recruit more vocations to priestly and religious life through a program of prayer, education and invitation.
Collaborative Ministry:
Our ability to function depends on our sense of belonging. Identify and promote welcoming activities for new parishioners, inactive Catholics and faithful parishioners. Establish a welcoming hospitality committee.

Eucharist and Sacraments:
Capitalize on the fact that the Liturgy is the most common and central activity of Catholic life in the parish. Make every effort to teach the Faith, especially in relation to the liturgy; train ministers and catechize the faithful. Finally have priests set aside the time and effort necessary to make the celebration truly reflect the spiritual reality that occurs during each Mass.
Formation of Lay Ministry and Training:
Reinstitute the Lay Formation Institute, which will provide theological foundation and training for specific ministries and encourage parishioners to avail themselves of these new opportunities; i.e., small Christian Communities, prayer groups, scripture study, RCIA team development, outreach to Catholics, social service committees and Disciples in Mission.
Youth and Young Adults:
Make a preferential option for the development, support and funding of Youth and Young Adult Ministries.
Education and Faith Formation:
The Diocese needs to develop a plan for all parishes to have a basic understanding of all aspects of the liturgy and sacraments as the foundation of our faith. This emphasis should be at all levels from children to adult.

Many thanks go out to our St. Isidore Parishioners who gave of their time with fellow Catholics from the diocese to ensure a successful and historical Synod. You make us PROUD!

Thanks also to fellow parishioners and amateur photographers Ken Rishe, Milly Reese, Joe Saavedra, Moises Valdez, and, of course Fr. Soria.
Coming Attraction: Synod Slide Show

St. Isidore Synod Links
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