Page 4 - LOTN Spring Issue 49 2022

DIOCESE

Diocesan progress along synodal pathway

“The Bishop is among the people and they are all close. They are listening to each other and helping each other. It looks like the
young people are helping the older ones and listening to them. The older ones can tell them about their faith.” [Synod Logo]

n October 2021, Pope Francis launched the Synod Reynolds, and I are the members of our Diocesan Synodal
on Synodality, which was then inaugurated in our Team, and so I have already been reading with interest
Iown Diocese of Aberdeen, with a liturgy celebrated the contributions we have received so far. There are
by Bishop Hugh at the Cathedral. From November several recurrent themes in these contributions, but one
through January, a synodal team was formed to move in particular which I would like to highlight here. It is the
the process forward in the diocese, and parishioners theme of young people in the church.
across the diocese were prepared to serve as A few weeks ago, a mother was telling me, she had
facilitators. The first Synod consultations in our asked her son what change he would like to see at church.
diocese were held in early February. About half of our He replied, “More kids.” Many adults have responded
parishes have completed their consultations; others similarly and have questioned how to make this wish
have meetings scheduled after Easter into early May. a reality. In the parish summaries, I noted the reasons
In addition to parish discussions, assigned to the dwindling numbers or
there have been consultations for the complete disappearance of children
African, Polish, French and Spanish and teenagers at Mass: liturgy is not
speaking communities in Aberdeen. engaging enough, other activities take
Aberdeen University students had a God wants us to love each other precedence, young people are afraid
consultation at the Chaplaincy. One and not care about our differences. of doctrine and dogma, they simply
facilitator has been in contact with the He wants us to trust what he says are not interested… However, I was
seven Catholic schools in our diocese, without having to be shown. He filled with hope when I read the synod
and from their synod discussions responses from children in the schools
so far, she has recorded insightful wants us to be good people and and parishes. I will leave you to ponder
contributions from pupils and staff. follow his example. their reflections and suggestions.
Two ecumenical meetings will be “The [Synod] logo… shows people
held after Easter. Then in May, the who are all going along together. We
Diocesan Synodal Team will compile think they are going to God and the
a synthesis of all the contributions little people (the children) are at the
from parishes, groups, and individuals in our diocese. front, leading the way.”
By Pentecost, this diocesan synthesis will be sent to the “The Bishop is among the people and they are all close.
Bishops’ Conference of Scotland for incorporation into They are listening to each other and helping each other. It
the next phase of the Synod. Deacon Tony Schmitz, Glen looks like the young people are helping the older ones and

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