In the Plzeň South vicarage, the synodal delegates are Jiří Basl (Starý Plzenec), Kristýna Hovjacká (Litice, Dobřany, Merklín), Erika Radová (Přeštice), and Václava Šmírová (Spálené Poříčí)
This spring, synodal discussions took place; how did these meetings look in your parish - did they bring any interesting insights?
Kristýna: In our parish, discussions on synodal topics brought dialogue and opportunities for engaging conversations. It was beautiful to see that everyone in our parish has their place and their opinion is important. Those who wanted and had the opportunity could participate in the discussion or share their insights on where we could head as a parish. It was interesting to observe how different people can have differing opinions on the same topic and also how they can agree on certain areas.
Jiří: We had a meeting where various inputs about this year's synod topic were collected. The suggestions then sparked quite a lively discussion that continued among the people actually up to the deadline for submitting our report.
Václava: In our parish, we had a discussion about the Synod as part of our regular community meeting, and then there were mostly individual conversations with parishioners, but also with people outside the church community. As is the case everywhere, some parishioners are more passive while others are more active. In any case, most feel that following the path of the Synod is a necessity for the 3rd millennium. Even though for many it means stepping out of their old (comfortable) selves.
Erika: Discussions took place both in a smaller circle and with the public after Sunday services. The conversations were pleasant, and there were also discussions regarding the individual topics that were previously mentioned.
How are you experiencing the synod in your parish?
Kristýna: Our parish accompanies the synod with prayer; after each mass, we pray the synod prayer, and I believe that this prayer will bear fruit.
Jiří: I look forward to the inputs from other parishes and hope that the suggestions from our synodal report will not go unnoticed.
The 2nd General Assembly is approaching; how do you feel about it, or do you have any concerns?
Kristýna: I am looking forward to the General Assembly and believe it will bring consensus and the right direction for our diocese. I believe that the Holy Spirit will manifest as its unifier and guide us in the right direction.
Václava: Of course, I am looking forward to the upcoming 2nd General Assembly – to meeting with other delegates and also to informal conversations and sharing, all of which enriched me greatly last year. On the other hand, I feel humility, respect, and great responsibility that I can participate in the Diocesan Synod. I pray that I will be receptive to God’s guidance and be a valid part of this shared journey.
Erika: I am looking forward to the 2nd General Assembly and am very curious about which topics will be discussed most. Of course, I am most looking forward to the time spent together.
Jiří: I am very excited about the meeting; I miss the wonderful atmosphere that was there.
