In the spring of this year, our diocese completed another important stage in the ongoing synod. In May, the synodal consultations concluded, which had taken place in various parishes and communities across the diocese over the past months. The result of this collective effort is a total of 185 proposals for addressing various areas of diocese life, which are now undergoing thorough processing.
The synodal team, together with Bishop Tomáš, is currently focused on analyzing all the suggestions. Key attention is being given to three main thematic areas: Mission, Organization, and Stewardship. In these areas, delegates, expert advisors, and other individuals have formulated specific proposals that reflect experiences from parish life and practical insights. Of the total number of proposals, 98 pertain to the mission area, 57 to organization, and 30 to stewardship. Additionally, there have been over thirty theological contributions, a similar number of suggestions from expert advisors, and a few other contributions from individuals in the diocese.
The current work of the synodal team is not only focused on the technical processing of all proposals but also on creating a working document that will help us better understand not only where we as a diocese should aim (goals), but also how to reach these goals (possible paths) and why it is important to aim for these goals (reasons). This document will be completed by the end of August and during September it will be available for feedback from synodal delegates. More information about the creation of this working document can be found here: synoda.bip.cz/metodika2.
It will be presented to the public for the first time at the diocesan pilgrimage at the monastery Teplá on September 13, 2025. Here, everyone interested in the direction of the diocese will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with its content. The feedback period will last until the end of September, after which the synodal team will have time to incorporate relevant comments, and by the 2nd General Assembly of the diocesan synod, which will take place from November 14-17, 2025, in Johannisthal, the synodal delegates will have some time to study the final version.
This stage is a challenge for all of us towards further collaboration, but also to prayer. We therefore ask for your spiritual support, so that wisdom, patience, and the willingness to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit may be present in the creation of the working document.
At the same time, we remind you that it is still possible to sign up for the Network of Intercessors, a community of people who pray for the course and fruits of the synod. If you are looking for a way to support the synod in your daily service, intercessory prayer can be the most effective means.
We thank everyone who has actively participated and is participating in this process, whether as synodal delegates, participants in parish meetings, authors of expert and theological suggestions, or those who accompany the entire journey with prayer.
