We invite you, regardless of your faith or belief, to contribute your voice to the Synod on Synodality - an opportunity to have your voice heard in the Catholic Church.
Mission
In his address at President Rougeau’s inauguration, Dr. Cutberto Garza, M.D. Ph.D. noted that the historic moment we are celebrating at Holy Cross - inaugurating our first lay, Black president - coincides with a historic moment in the Catholic Church. Dr. Garza explained, “This month marks the start of a singularly important process, one that is key to the historic period unfolding before us, a period that is as significant as those experienced by Christians who lived in the times of Constantine and the Reformation.”
Referring to the Catholic Church’s recently announced Synod on Synodality, Dr. Garza explained, “This undertaking has been described as the ‘biggest popular consultation in history.’ The process’ Preparatory Document… asserts that we will have unleashed ‘the ability to imagine a different future for the Church and her institutions, in keeping with the mission she has received.”
In inviting your participation we want to listen to your hopes and challenges, your experiences of alienation and consolation . We need your voice to help us imagine a different future for the Church and her institutions such as Holy Cross. All members of the Holy Cross community are invited to contribute regardless of faith or belief.
Synodality is a way of being church that emphasizes journeying together, listening to one another, especially those at the margins. Synodality is grounded in the belief that each of us is created in God’s image and likeness with the understanding that the Holy Spirit speaks through our life experiences. As Pope Francis explains, “It means discovering with amazement that the Holy Spirit always surprises us, to suggest fresh paths and new ways of speaking.”
We recognize as we invite you to participate in our synodal conversations at Holy Cross that your participation is an act of trust. With this in mind we have set up the conversations drawing on principles of restorative justice that build community through attentive listening and ensuring that all participants have the opportunity to speak from their experience. Listening sessions will take place during March and April. After we complete the listening sessions we will share what we have heard with the Holy Cross community and with Pope Francis through the synod structures available to us through the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities.
Participation
If you are interested in sharing your experience in one of our synodal conversations or if you would like to learn more please complete this form.
In solidarity and hope,
The College Chaplains
and the Office of Mission