Members’ Reflections

‘Some of the recommendations that came through in the early stages, for example, the ministry of welcome, made us sit up and realise that we weren’t doing it very well at all. As a consequence of that, a small group of people decided to take that in hand and change it. So we had the welcomers at the back of Church, people to say good morning to you as you came to Mass. Very early on we decided this was the route we’d take, we weren’t going to wait for the big picture to come to fruition before we started making our own changes’

Sue, Synod Member

When the Synod was first talked about in the Archdiocese and here on the Isle of Man, I was very sceptical, I had to be persuaded by my wife to become a Synod team member. I was wrong in the sense that I thought it was yet another initiative from the Church, maybe a PR exercise, rather than something real and meaningful. Over the last couple of years I have changed my view of the Synod process, and I am a great enthusiast for it now (and I’m not easily converted to anything) but in this particular case I am. On a personal basis you get to know so many more people. Rather than just nodding to them at Mass, where you know them but you don’t speak to them. This in itself is a great encouragement for me and other Synod members to continue the process. In one sense it’s already succeeded, in bring us closer together. The final thing to say is it’s the beginning rather than the end. We all vote, but we can’t just go home and forget about it. I am keen that the Office of the Secretary of the Synod of Bishops will continue to be involved in encouraging and guiding us, along with our own parish priests, because I think we’re on to something here that is necessary, essential and in need of implementation. We’ve got to be living, got to evangelise, and we’ve got to go out and do something rather than saying ‘they should do something about this’. The they are actually we, I believe.

Brian O’Connor - Synod Member Isle of Man

‘If our group is anything to go by the Synod process has brought us together, it has developed our faith, and we’re talking in a way that we wouldn’t have done before. I hope that’s what comes from the whole process, that we meet the needs – emotional, psychological, and religious needs – of our people, everything else will come after that.’

Patricia, Synod member ‘… Did not our hearts burn within us as he talked to us on the road?’ (Luke 24 32.) I began my Synod journey having heard that the laity were being asked for their opinion. After a brief debate with myself, encouraged and flattered by friends, I put myself forward as a Synod member and was duly elected successfully fighting off no opposition. An enthusiastic team of supporters offered their services and so our Synod group was formed. Initially our way seemed clear. In reality, misunderstandings occurred within the group due to their enthusiasm and desire to begin to evangelise immediately. The response from the parish varied between opposition and disinterest. Looking back, it was at this stage that the process of ‘becoming’ began. Utilising the listening process our regard for each other grew and with the use of silence developed still further Misunderstandings still occurred but we dealt with them prayerfully and as leader I was humbled by the faith and loyalty of so many members of our parish community. Without doubt we were beginning to act and think synodaly. Our small discernment team put themselves in the hands of the Holy Spirit and difficult tasks became easier. Then the Pandemic hit us and everything in people’s lives altered. There was a recognition of the need for extra time followed by a minor miracle. We began to use more of the information available to us online. In the stillness of our hearts and homes we could reflect and meditate on the wealth of material made available from Synod Office and more. Our team familiarised themselves with the ‘Together on the Road’ booklet a revelation and inspiration to many. Thus began the most successful and faith enhancing work of the whole process for us. We needed to present the six sessions to our parishioners. Our delivery which was made in church under lockdown regulations and delivered via the webcam involved all 27 team members. The All Hallows’ High school Lay Chaplain and IT teacher contributed as did pupils who volunteered to take part. It was wonderful. So, we began our journey with the Apostles returning to Jerusalem having encountered the Risen Christ. We now continue with the Apostles on the first Pentecost enthusiastically burning with the fire of the Holy Spirit going out to bring the Good News to all nations.

Our Synod Journey continues…

Patricia Wilson – Synod member St Teresa’s, Penwortham.