Diocese of Covington - Communications at 401 E. 20th Street, Covington, KY 41015-0550 US - Synod begins two-year process

This is a three-part communication: a news article, a listing of eight topics, and highlights from the two-year timeline.

The fifth synod in the 150 years of diocesan history has begun.

Bishop Roger Foys convened the first meeting of the Synod Preparatory Commission Sept. 16. Sister of Charity of Cincinnati Suzanne Donovan, director of the Office of Human Resources for the Diocese of Wilmington, Del., conducted the introductory session and will consult throughout the process.

The decisions adopted by Bishop Foys at the meeting will unfold over the next two years, primarily through the participation of 100 to 150 subcommittee members representing the clergy, religious and laity from across the diocese. The subcommittees will involve hundreds more representatives from the diocese's 53 parishes and missions.

Their two years of deliberations will lead to a ceremony in the cathedral tentatively scheduled for Aug. 14, 2005. At that event Bishop Foys will sign the synod documents before a congregation of almost 1000 delegates assembled to witness the historic occasion. Only a bishop may convene a synod, and only he may approve the recommendations flowing from the synodal process.

The commission of 18 members oversees the entire process. It began Sept. 16 by identifying eight topics to be studied and established a process so that subcommittees will be formed to study them. Most of the commission members will act as liaisons between subcommittees and commission. (Please see accompanying list of the eight topics.)

As coordinators of the synodal process Bishop Foys appointed Father J. Michael Due, episcopal vicar for pastoral services, and Margaret Schack, diocesan chancellor. Their chief duties are to coordinate the activities of the commission and the subcommittees, and to ensure clear communications between the synod, the people of the diocese and the wider community.

A synod, as Bishop Foys said at the meeting's outset, is a process described in canon (church) law to assist the bishop in fulfilling his duty to govern the diocese. It has been 40 years since the last diocesan synod, Bishop Foys pointed out, and much has changed in the Church, the culture and the region since then. The synod will "bring all this together," Bishop Foys said.

He told the commission that a synod can have many purposes, such as adapting laws and norms of the universal Church to local conditions or setting policies and programs for apostolic works. A synod can also resolve problems in the apostolate; give impetus to projects undertaken in the diocese; and correct errors in doctrine and morals. "I expect all of these, and more, to take place in our diocese," Bishop Foys said.

During the meeting Sister Suzanne asked commission members to express their hopes for the synod. Some saw the synod as a "time of unity for the diocese" and a time to help the local church be more one, holy, Catholic and apostolic. Others saw the synod as an opportunity to affirm the current priesthood as well as an opportunity to clarify a pastoral vision of the modern church.

Others looked to the church of Covington to "becom(e) an evangelistic church" and reach out to the future leadership of the Church. Others saw the synod as helping address uncertainty about the faith, especially among the young; a way to enhance the distinctiveness of the church; and a chance to digest what the Magisterium has taught Catholics throughout the world since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960's.

 "I see the synod as helping refine the structure of the church so that the grace from the sacraments will bear fruit … (so that) the Church will really bloom," said another.

Another task of the commission is to oversee the creation of a brochure explaining the nature and purpose of a synod. The brochure, with a letter from Bishop Foys, will be mailed to every diocesan family in November.

Sister Suzanne reminded the commission that a synod cannot review and change universal church law, such as the restriction on married clergy. "In accord with canon law, we look at things we can change," she said, "… anything the diocese can bring to clarity for itself."

Bishop Foys said he has high hopes that the synod will affirm the spiritual life of the local church and align the local church with the church's teaching authority. It is a "graced moment for the diocese," the bishop said.

 Topics to be addressed during the synod process.

Topics were recommended by the Preparatory Commission and adopted by Bishop Foys Sept. 16.

Eight subcommittees, comprised of ordained, religious and lay members from across the diocese and parishes, will take a training course in December. The subcommittees will involve hundreds of parish representatives.

Topics are listed in no special order:

1. Prayer/Liturgy and Worship

2. Parish and Diocesan Administration

3. Catholic Education

4. Respect Life/Gospel of Life

5. Lay Apostolate

6. Evangelization

7. Priestly Life and Ministry

8. Diaconal Life and Ministry

Some Milestone Dates in the Synod Timeline (Some dates are tentative. Not all dates are included.)

2003

Convocation with Priests … October

Opening of Synod — Opening Mass … Nov. 23

2004

Parish Consultations … Feb. 25 - April 2, 2004

Preparatory Commission Meeting — Bishop Approves Topic Outlines … June 14

Preparatory Commission and All Subcommittees Meeting … July 17

Subcommittees draft Synod Documents … July — October

Parish Consultations on four documents … November - December

2005

Appointment of Committees to plan concluding event of Synod … Early in year

Parish Consultations on final four documents … March - April

Bishop ascertains canonical and theological authenticity … by June 30

Mass in Cathedral concluding Synod; signing by Bishop of Synodal Documents … Aug. 14