St. Peter Church – Our Engagement in the Synod Process

The Goals of the Synod

Pope Francis has convened a council of the Church (a Synod) with two interrelated goals: “to listen to God, so that with Him we may hear the cry of his people; to listen to his people until we are in harmony with the will to which God calls us.”

Why Now?

In October 2015, Pope Francis stated that “the world in which we live, and which we are called to love and serve, even with its contradictions, demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of her mission.”

This process is especially important during times of change in Church and society. We must reflect on the signs of the times in light of the Gospel.

“The decision to ‘journey together’ is a prophetic sign for the human family, which needs a shared project capable of pursuing the good of all…We need to let ourselves be educated by the Spirit to a truly synodal mentality, entering with courage and freedom of heart into a conversion process that is indispensable for the ‘continual reformation of which (the Church) always has need, in so far as she is a human institution.’” (Synod Preparatory Document No. 9.)

The Role of the Parish

Every parish in the Archdiocese of San Francisco will be offering the Disciple Maker Index (DMI) survey from January 15 to February 14, both online as a link from our parish website and as a hardcopy survey, which may be filled out in-person at all parishes. We are asking that each member of the family complete the survey so that we may benefit from a cross-sector of age groups. Surveys are anonymous.

The Role of Our Parishioners

Beginning January 15, participate in the Disciple Maker Survey (DMI) https://www.sfarch.org/synod/. On this site there is a “Take the Survey” link by County. Under the tab for San Mateo County parishes are listed. Note that the survey is available in multiple languages. If you prefer, a paper copy of the survey is also available in our church Narthex for you to complete and return in a sealed envelope.

This is an opportunity for every Catholic, including your family members, to anonymously provide personal feedback towards this process.

Participate in one of many Engagement Sessions held in-person and virtually throughout the Archdiocese in February and March. These facilitated sessions will allow the People of God to engage with one another and listen to each other’s journey. A schedule of sessions is posted at https://www.sfarch.org/synod/.

A schedule of opportunities is also listed on the site for your convenience.

Then What?

The summary of surveys and consultations are given special attention and are followed by a discernment process on the part of the bishops chosen for the task, attentive to the sense of faith of the people of God which they need to carefully distinguish from changing public opinion. The Synod of Bishops will then work together for ecclesial consensus. When the results have been accepted by the Holy Father, an implementation phase in every diocese will follow. Additional information may be found at https://www.sfarch.org/synod/.

Questions may be addressed to Eileen Barsi, Eileenbarsi@gmail.com or at 650-438-7877.