The synod team reminded the pilgrims of what part of the synodal journey is already behind us and what lies ahead. After the first year, during which we reflected on the current life in our parishes and the entire diocese, we are now further contemplating selected themes related to mission, organization, and management, while looking to the future.
We ask ourselves where we, as a diocese, would like to go in the future. Based on 185 proposals from delegates and experts, a working document has been created, which delegates have available until the end of September to submit their comments. However, the synod is not just a document; we live the synod by talking together, praying, and seeking the path that the Holy Spirit leads us on. Although our diocese is vast and we Christians are not many, we are rich in our desire to create good relationships among ourselves and to know each other.
We asked several pilgrims the question: How do you live the synod in your parish, is there any discussion about it, do you meet, do you feel like a part of it?
“We have a delegate and another person who is part of this process. The synod meetings usually happened after Mass. Sometimes it's hard to formulate thoughts. We feel that we have a role in this.”
“I don’t speak much about it, I am more of a reserved person, I don't say much – I’m not used to it. But we are informed and feel like we are part of it.”
“We are not from the Plzeň diocese, but we also had a synodal meeting. This year we participated in a catechetical course for couples preparing for marriage. So even the Prague archdiocese is inclined to delegate some responsibilities to laypeople, as priests cannot handle everything.”
“The synod has excited me a lot; it is a great platform within the parish and the diocese. I expected that more people would be enthusiastic about it. The main problem is communication; we lack a natural foundation for communication, both among people and between the priest and the congregation. The synod is a good tool, but I have to know how to hold that shovel in my hand. I think we have not managed to utilize the potential offered. When someone does not care about these matters, no institution will help.”
“Yes, on Sundays we go for tea, we meet, after Mass we have coffee. We didn't talk about the synod, but we pray the prayer for the synod here.”
You can find out more about the diocesan pilgrimage here
