The Synod on Synodality kicked off globally this past Fall, each diocese and parish is being asked to provide input on specific concerns impacting them.
At the diocesan level, the Diocese of Harrisburg has 10 themes for which you are asked to provide input. Submit one response under each theme either in writing or by attaching a document like artwork representing what the theme means to you. This themes will be explored during small group meetings at the parish level. The Diocese of Harrisburg Virtual Auditorium for adding your response to their 10 themes is here.
At Saint Katharine Drexel Church, 8 themes will be explored in a small group setting.
The Schedule for the Small Group Synod Meetings at our church is listed below.
What is a Synodal Church?
Being a Synodal Church means the conversations lead to conversion to Christ and commitment to active participation in the mission given by Christ – Communion.
The people of God talk with one another and listen to one another about questions that matter – Participation.
The communion exists for a common purpose; mission flows naturally from the experience of communion – Mission.
What are the requirements of a Synod?
Synodal Requirements
- Addressing the basic questions together
- Listening to the Holy Spirit
- Remaining open to the perspectives of other people
- “Progressively maturing” the fruits of the Holy Spirit over time
How is Saint Katharine Drexel Church getting involved?
Saint Katharine Drexel Church held the Opening Mass for the Synod over the weekend of February 26 & 27.
The Training of Facilitators for the Synod occurs on Saturday, March 19 at 10 a.m. in the lower level chapel.
There are small group Synod Meetings scheduled representing the active membership of our parish. The schedule is below. You are encouraged to attend the meeting time that best fits your schedule if you are unable to attend the time assigned for your group.
After the small group sessions, a Closing Mass on May 1st at 11:00 a.m. and a final report from our parish will be sent on to Philadelphia, Washington and then onto the Vatican. In 2023, the Bishops will meet in Rome.
Small Parish Group Synod Meeting Schedule
| Meeting Date | Parish Group | Meeting Location | Meeting Time | Facilitator(s) |
| Mon. March 21 | Parish Council, Finance Council, Parish Staff | BSRR | 6:30 PM | Father Ken |
| Mon. March 21
|
Cursillo & Eucharistic Adoration Teams | Classroom 1 | 7:00 PM | Bill & Joan Benning |
| Wed. March 23 | Knights of Columbus | Classroom 5 | 6:30 PM | Father Ken
GK Paul Bowers |
| Sat. March 26 | TMIY | BSRR | 8:00 AM | Father Ken
Greg Suter |
| Sun. April 3 | General Parish | Church | 9:30 AM | Father Ken |
| Sun. April 3 | Faith Formation Catechists | BSRR | 12:15 PM | Deacon Scott |
| Mon. April 4 | PCCW | BSRR | 7:00 PM | Stella Kulp |
| Sun. April 9 | General Parish | Church | 5:30 PM | Father Ken |
| Sun. April 24 | Catholic School Families, Faith Formation Families (K-8) | BSRR | 9:40 AM | Deacon Scott & Seminarian Dozie |
The 8 Parish Themes
What should we be doin for this age group and their parents and families in the area of faith formation and ministry? Where are these families and how do we reach them and encounter them and listen to their needs? |
Deanery responds with a monthly group – Theology on Tap and Harrisburg Young Adults, but what does the parish do? How do we respond to their unique concerns and challenges? |
We have shifted from a classroom, religious education, catechist, student model to a parent – family faith based formation model which involves the entire family and see parents as the first educators of their children in the way of faith. How do we invite and involve parents? |
We have 950 households, 3000 members. Our weekend attendance for Mass is 500. What to do? Less than one third. Where are members of our parish family? Covid? Cumberland/Perry Deanery has 10 parishes, 12 priests, 10 weekday Masses, 32 weekend Masses and Sunday evening Masses Dauphin Deanery has 7 parishes, 9 priests, 7 weekday Masses, 26 weekend Masses Total Deanery has 17 parishes, 21 priests, 17 weekday Masses, 58 weekend Masses
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How do we invite more members to engage with each other and with other members of the parish to serve in various capacities?
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Does the average Catholic really understand their responsibility of operating a parish? Do our people really understand the spirituality of tithing and stewardship? |
Grades 1-2 and 7-8 How do we engage parents?
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What is it? How well do we do it? How can we communicate the gospel better? |
Conclusion
There is a story about an old man who went on a journey and built a bridge from one side of a large crevice to the other side. He did not need to go across this way again and someone asked, “why bother?”. He said he did not build the bridge for himself but for those who come after him.
Let us be bridge builders for the future generations of the Catholic faith. Let us pass on the torch of love, light and truth as taught by Jesus Christ in the Gospels.
As a thank you, please come and get a SKD t-shirt that was designed especially for our Welcome Back Weekend this past September.
LINKS & PDFs
Diocese of Harrisburg Virtual Auditorium
SKD Parish 8 Themes of Prayer and Concern PDF
SKD Small Group Synod Meeting Schedule PDF
⇒SKD Summary of Parish Meetings | May 2022 Report
