In December 2023, dioceses across Canada were invited to participate in offering feedback to the CCCB’s delegates to the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
In the Diocese of Charlottetown, this invitation was shared with parishes, congregations of women religious, and service groups.
The Diocesan Synod Team received feedback from three parishes, and five congregations and service organizations, for a total of eight.
The feedback was compiled into a summary which was forwarded to the CCCB, where it will be included in a national summary to be shared with the delegates attending the next session of the Synod, in October 2024.
Summary of Synod Process
Diocese of Charlottetown
April 15, 2024
In the Diocese of Charlottetown, our focused, deepened reflection was on the following
themes: prayer, formation, and community. Parishes, service organizations, and
communities of women religious from across the diocese took part.
Across these themes, several topics emerged as common points of reflection, including:
personal formation and prayer, building community across age groups and culture, the
importance of meeting people where they are, and the need for leadership and
collaboration in pastoral planning.
The personal formation and prayer already happening included diverse styles and
formats, ranging from in-person retreats to podcasts and social media. It was clear how
central Sacramental life is for participants, particularly the Eucharist, and other devotions,
such as the Rosary. However, there was a deep desire expressed for more access to
formation, especially as it provided an opportunity to grow community, and formation to
equip new leaders in the parish community.
The importance of building community across age groups and cultures was addressed
multiple times, especially when acknowledging the increasing diversity in our parish
communities, and broader society. One suggestion for building community in parishes is to
support newcomers in celebrating special liturgical feasts and devotions from their culture.
Parishes and groups where these devotions and liturgies have already been celebrated
shared the richness it added to their faith community.
Another suggestion for enriching the faith community was increasing opportunities for
multi-generational conversation and ministry. The absence of youth and young families in
Church communities was noted many times. This was accompanied by a desire to find
ways to incorporate them into the life of the Church, whether through designated ministry
opportunities (like a men’s group, or youth group), or in already existing opportunities, such
as parent sessions during catechism classes. It was also noted that multi-generational
ministry opportunities needed to include the seniors in our parishes and communities.
Building community, especially when trying to reach those who are not currently in the
parish, requires a willingness for members of the Church to meet people where they are.
This stems from the Great Commission, given by Christ to all the Church, to go and make
disciples of all nations. We must be willing to be meet Christ in our neighbour, and to
accompany them in their journey.
Underpinning each of these desires, for formation, community, and meeting people where
they are, is the need for leadership and collaboration in pastoral planning. A spirit of
collaboration needs to permeate all aspects of the parish, so that lay members are
supported in sharing their gifts with the parish in ways that are meaningful to both the
individual and the community. This requires leadership and collaboration between lay
leaders and the pastor. This spirit of collaboration invites the creation of active Pastoral
Councils to support the pastor in decision making, and give the lay faithful an opportunity
to help provide direction for their faith community.