What is the synod?

The diocesan synod is a gathering of the laity, priests, deacons and religious who will meet together with Bishop Weigand from October 11-13, 2004 to chart the future direction of the diocese. The synod is the third in the diocese's 118 year history, the first in nearly 75 years, and the first to involve laity. There will be 350 to 400 participants (delegates) who will come together for prayer, dialogue, discernment and deliberation under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

What will be discussed at the synod?

The synod will address broad topics of concern to Catholics in Northern California that are suggested by lay members of Parish pastoral Councils, deacons, priests and religious. In addition, there will be an opportunity for parishioners, in a series of regional speak-out sessions in the Spring of 2004, to contribute their hopes and concerns to the synod and to comment on possible topics and priorities. The synod will also address a number of diocesan priorities identified by some 65,000 parishioners when they responded to the CARA survey distributed in parishes in February 2002.

How can I participate in the synod process?

As members of the faith community, all of us are asked to prepare for the Synod. The preparation steps of prayer, reflection dialogue and discernment are familiar to most Catholics, for they originate in our tradition of spiritual discernment leading to decision-making.
You can make known your concerns to your Parish Pastoral Council and to the delegates once they are selected from your parish. If you are interested in being a delegate, your pastor will inform you of an application process in early November.
The Catholic Herald, our diocesan newspaper, will cover the synod preparation on a regular basis and will inform parishioners of other ways they can participate.
This diocesan Synod 2004 will carry regular updates and archived copies of pastoral letters and documents disseminated throughout the diocese as a historical electronic folder for your periodic review.

What can we expect the synod to do?

We can expect the synod to serve as an occasion for reflection on our history and the many blessings God has bestowed on our diocese. The goal of the synod is to se pastoral priorities - in response to parish and diocesan needs - for the future based on a renewed vision of the church. The priorities and concerns of the synod may be put into legislation and a pastoral plan that will guide us as a diocese through the year 2010. Bishop Weigand presides at the synod and is responsible for approving and announcing the results.