Newsletter - 21st November 2021
“Going further together” – Synod Listening Sessions at Christ the King
“Alone we go faster, together we go further.” This African proverb captures the intention of the Synod which will take place over the next two years in the Catholic Church.
Its primary aim is to strengthen and renew the ties that bind us together as the people of God so that we can “go further” in sharing the Good News of Jesus with all people.
This Synod begins in the parish. Each parish is asked have its own little synod and, as in the Synod logo showing a diverse group traveling together, everyone is invited to participate. Three things are asked of all who participate:
to speak openly and honestly about our own experience of church;
to listen carefully to what others are saying about their experience;
to discern together what the Spirit is saying to the church through these conversations.
The fruits of these little parish synods will be passed on to the diocese and from there, to Rome, where they will shape the agenda for the final gathering of the Synod in October 2023.
Over the next 2 months, there will be a number of occasions for parishioners to share their own experience of church. You are invited to respond to a simple question in two parts.
How have you experienced the church journeying together?
What have you most appreciated? - e.g. fulfilling, joyful, hopeful
What has been most difficult for you? – e.g. disappointing, sad, painful
At these gatherings, called listening sessions, you will be able to briefly share your response to these questions in a small group. It will not be a time to discuss what is shared, but rather to carefully listen to one another and begin to reflect on what is being said to the church through the experience of its members.
Listening sessions at Christ the King:
Open listening session: Saturday, Dec 11, 11:30 to 1 pm (after 11 am Mass) Please register with the parish office for this event to help with planning.
Listening sessions for several existing parish groups. You will be notified when this meeting will take place, if you are involved with the particular group. (You are welcome to participate in both the open listening session and in one for a particular parish group)
Other opportunities to participate in January will be announced soon.
For more information check the website of the Diocese of Westminster.
All encouraged to participate both by attending a listening session and with prayers for the Synod.
Deacon
Ted Wood
Focus of the week
Feast of Christ the King, 21 November 2021
After 11am Mass the Parish will celebrate the Feast of Christ the King in the Large Hall.
All are welcome to celebrate with a glass of Prosecco (soft drinks and tea and coffee will also be available). We look forward to seeing you there.
Additionally, there will be a second celebration in the evening from 6pm which you are also welcome to join if you are available.
Net for GOD "Come and See",
23 November
Many of you may have questions about what happens in these meetings. This is an opportunity to find out more about how the group works and what it means to “listen to what the Holy Spirit wants for us here and now”. If you are interested please join us at 8pm in the church.
Refreshments will be served at the end of the session.