Father Norm's Notebook

 ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT SYNOD PROCESS
FROM THE ARCHDIOCESE OF CINCINNATI

The Holy See has initiated Synod 2021-2023, a two-year process of “reflection and sharing of the whole Church.” Archbishop Schnurr has appointed Deacon John Homoelle to lead and coordinate the Archdiocese of Cincinnati’s contributions to this initiative.

 From Deacon John:

 “Synodality? What’s that, you may ask. Synodality is synonymous with collegiality. The Holy Father is asking to have a Synod on how the Church can be more collegial in its approach to addressing its mission – to evangelize the world. That Synod is entitled: ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.’

 Consequently, the Holy Father seeks input from all the People of God. That journey began this month with an opening Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains at 11:00 AM on Sunday, Oct. 17, and will culminate in the Synod Meeting in Rome in 2023. Pope Francis wants to hear from the young, the elderly, those in religious orders, young adults, those who have drifted away from the faith, migrants and immigrants, those who live in poverty, lay organizations, the lay faithful, our Christian brothers and sisters, women, etc. In other words, everyone! 

To accomplish this, over the next six months, each diocese throughout the world will convene local meetings to address the questions on how we can be a more synodal – in other words, collegial – Church. For each diocese, the contact person will submit a ten page summary report to the local Ordinary who will in turn forward it to the USCCB for submission to the Synod. 

By virtue of our baptism, as a people of God coming together, we know that the Holy Spirit will lead us in this endeavor. Stay tuned for further details over the next month. If you would like to participate in any way, we welcome you! Please feel free to email Deacon John Homoelle at jhomoelle@catholicaoc.org. God Bless!”

 Contributing to the Synod will be an intensive process in our archdiocese over the next six months. Here are the key milestones:

 • The Deans will each appoint two deanery coordinators (one male, one female) by Fri., Nov. 5.

 • Before Thanksgiving, a web presence for the Synod process will be established on the Archdiocese of Cincinnati website.

 • In November and December, these coordinators will: (1) go through orientation with Deacon John; (2) establish “Town Hall” meeting dates and venues in each deanery; and (3) work to encourage the broad representation of the baptized from whom Pope Francis wants to hear.

 (Go to  communications@catholicaoc.org November 2021 5 to participate in these meetings. The archdiocese Communications staff will also promote participation, and will provide promotional materials to each parish to do so as well.)

 • In January and February, the Town Hall meetings will be held. • In March, the coordinators will submit their summaries to Deacon John. • In April, Deacon John will submit his consolidated report to Archbishop Schnurr and the USCCB.

 Please pray for a fruitful outcome to this important worldwide endeavor