Synod FAQs

You asked, we answered! Here are some frequently asked questions that have been on the minds of parishioners when it comes to the Archdiocesan Synod at Nativity of Our Lord.
 

General

• I’ve heard Archbishop Hebda has a newsletter?
  • Beginning Labor Day, September 4, Archbishop Bernard Hebda is reaching out in a new way to the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese. Together on the Journey consists of a video from Archbishop Hebda the first Monday of each month and a newsletter the following weeks. In the newsletter, Archbishop offers bite-sized reflections on happenings in our local Church and insights into our beautiful Catholic faith, plus upcoming events and local Catholic media. See archspm.org/togetheronthejourney to sign up.
• I’ve heard about a world-wide Synod being called by Pope Francis and there seems to be some confusion in the Church about it - is that what we are doing?
  • No. We are implementing the Synod of this archdiocese begun in 2019 by Archbishop Hebda. Its recommendations are clearly documented in his Pastoral Letter, You Will Be My Witnesses. You can read it at archspm.org/synodletter. (about 45 pages, including many images)

Small Group Leader Formation Series

• What if I miss one or more sessions of the Formation?
  • Because the Formation is about small groups, and face-to-face discussion and faith sharing is part of a small group, we are expecting attendees to be present at all seven sessions if at all possible. Make-up’s can be made online, although that’s not ideal.
  • We are looking at collaborating with neighboring parishes to provide the Formation series on nights other than Thursdays (at Nativity), for those who need an alternative. You would attend the entire series at the hosting parish. We may have guests in Nativity’s offering as well.
• If I attend the Formation series, do I have to be a small group leader? Will I automatically be a small group leader? Do I have to join a small group?
  • No, no, and no. At the end of the Formation series, there will be a mutual discernment - you and the Synod Team/Pastor, will assess whether you have the gifts needed to lead a Synod small group, other gifts needed for supporting roles in a small group, what kind of small group you would be comfortable and interested in leading, etc. The number of small groups and types we can offer initially will be a factor. You are only committing to attend the Formation series, not necessarily be a small group leader, or even join a small group. But we hope you do one or the other!
  • Leaders in the parish should consider attending, to understand how the small groups will work and strengthen Nativity.

Small Groups

• Why small groups?
  • It's a way to connect with others — to get know each other, care practically for one another, as well as to have a way to talk about Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the gospel, etc. This is a how the Church did it in the beginning after Jesus ascended to heaven. People got together to talk and learn about Jesus with other believers. The synod small groups can provide similar support, growth and connections for each person's faith journey today.
  • A pastor can’t connect with hundreds or thousands of parishioners in a personal way. Small groups can “shrink” the parish, helping each parishioner be known and cared for. Small groups can be a vehicle for parish-wide, or focused catechesis. Over time, small groups build meaningful relationships where members can talk about their faith experiences, learn from each other, and be encouraged and challenged.
  • More on this topic to come!
• What content or topics will be used in the small groups?
  • The Synod Team doesn’t yet know. We will all learn more details about the groups in the Formation course.
  • For now, we understand that the small group model is a framework that is flexible and can accommodate many kinds of groups; depending on the group type, there may be more or less study content needed, and the content will likely vary, depending on the type of group.
  • The Pastoral Letter explicitly calls for groups that focus on care for the underserved and poor, on the Eucharist, on prayer ministry, and on relational evangelization. Those and others may be our starting points.