Synod seeks to build a ‘listening church’

Can you recall a time when you were speaking, but it seemed that no one was listening? 

Sometimes it seems clear because others are having side conversations when you are talking. Other times when the person you are speaking with appears distracted and when they respond, it is obvious they did not hear what you were saying. And there may be times when someone’s response clearly shows they were not listening, but instead thinking of a response before trying to understand what was being said. There are other examples that describe times like these, both when we are not heard and times when we have not listened; just ask a parent, teenager or spouse.

The message communicated when not listened to is that someone’s voice, opinion or feelings are not important, not respected, irrelevant and not wanted. These experiences are discouraging and can lead to someone avoiding participation and engagement with others.  

Through the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis called for the Church to be a listening Church. He described Synodality as a way of being Church where laity, clergy and bishops are encouraged to listen and dialogue together seeking God’s will as community for the Church. This is done by listening to each other and discerning with humility.

Pope Leo XIV confirmed this call from Pope Francis when he asked the question on the day of his election: What does it mean to be “a missionary church, a church that builds bridges and encourages dialogue, a church ever open to welcoming…all those who are in need of our charity, our presence, our readiness to dialogue and our love?”

As you may have read in previous articles, the Church and our archdiocese has entered the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, focusing on being a synodal Church, a Church that listens. 

Just last month, Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M., had the synod support staff send out a resource guide for the Implementation Phase of the Synod on Synodality to all parishes of our archdiocese. This resource guide is the first step in following the directive of both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV to become a stronger listening Church. 

This resource guide offers guidance on implementing synodality in the archdiocese.  It provides direction on how to deeply listen to others and consider views different from our own.  Dialogue is emphasized and encouraged and will be a format to begin all of our meetings at both the archdiocesan and parish level.  Keeping the Holy Spirit central to conversations and decision making will ensure all voices are heard.

The resource guide and additional important information can be found on the archdiocesan website at aoaj.org. We encourage you to ask your parish about the resources provided or contact the archdiocese synod support staff to learn more about synodality by emailing synod@aoaj.org.