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Lights and shadows in our Synodal Communion

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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Pqvo4sliIPuNWKxFuVnibeECt-cDK7SdEDWkt8lhURo/edit

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Round 1. Experiences

assigned to a mission station elevated into a parish, BECs creation, and evangelization

A 2-month-old priest assigned into parish as a vicar, and its as if the parish is “patay”

The challenge of shepherding 2 parish communities, with additional different offices in the diocese

assigned in a parish community with a strong sense of family ties/tribes, and traditions

Difficulty of synodal consultations/gathering among priests in the diocese/parish.

Differences and misunderstanding among the parish leaders, and volunters —- leading into a divided parish community and “pilit and napilitan” lay leaders and volunters

Round 2 Shared and common experience

—— newly ordained priests, young priests with fresh ideas, full of energy and “hope and dreams” for the parish

—— am i enough for such role, and office mentality, am i making a difference mentality

—— youth empowerment, BECs reestablishment and reenforcement in the parish

—— tiring and draining, with different “tensions” in the parish as newly ordained priests, or newly assigned parish priests

——- how to handle the PPC leaders and volunters, transition from old leadership to new

Round 3. Proposal/ group statements

As newly ordained priests, and newly assigned parish priests —— with synodality and through synodality we have

to strengthen BECs in our parishes —- walk with them, pray with them

to empower the youth, and discern and create new “ministries” if needed to address the emerging new challenges in the parish.

to be like Jesus the Good Shepherd. Learn form His meek and humble heart. To be more compassionate, to be more considerate, to be more understanding.

Maging mabuting pari, mabait na pari, banal na pari, laging pari, pari ni Hesus

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Sharer 1 - shared about the importance of BEC in the success and growth of a young diocese like San Carlos. Thankful for the missionaries and secular priests who help them in their planning.

Sharer 2 - shared about Synodality as sitting together with his co-formators and realizing common agreements in crafting programs of formation. Joys and sorrows, lights and shadows are part of the ministry.

Sharer 3 - shared about his two experiences in his new mission station assignment particularly his encounter with the Youth as well as faction and unhealthy composition of the laity. Synodality begins with once call.

Sharer 4 - shared about Prayer as fundamental in decision making in the ministry. Pastoral Planning helps in facilitating evangelization in the Parish. Lay Empowerment/collaboration as source of happiness in celebrations.

Sharer 5 - shared about Synodality as the Happy and not experiences in the ministry. Lay Empowerment (when over empowered) is a challenged. Synodality is about journeying with the People. Challenged in adjusting as a 1st time Parish Priest

Sharer 6 - shared about his 9 months as priest in a Parish were majority of people are temporary.

Sharer 7 - shared about happiness in the ministry when having a good people to journey with. BEC as fundamental aspect of evangelization and success of programs and activities in the Parish. Shared also about his thought of Lay Empowerment as a shadow when it becomes a source of power. Lay collaboration and sincere service is an asset in doing once ministry. Dillusional priests takes away people in the Church.

Sharer 8- shared about parish experience especially his formulation of BEC which helps him to be in contact with his parishioners who felt to be left out in the Parish

# Affirming and appreciating each experiences of every individual. Everybody saw Prayer as the fundamental aspect of Synodality. Listen to be listened.

Where is the Spirit leading us?

° Identify the solution(s) to make priests to embrace Synodality.

° The importance of the process of learning and unlearning to understand synodality.

° Do not let Synodality remain as ideals rather put it into praxis.

° To keep loving the Church through setting good example as pastor.

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Conversation in the Spirit 1: The Face of a Synodal Church

LIGHTS AND SHADOWS IN OUR SYNODAL COMMUNION-IN-MISSION

What experiences of a synodal Church have I had in my ministry as a parish priest? Which ones have been happy and which ones less so? What understanding of synodality have I been able to mature through them?

Round 1: Sharing/Reflection

Lights:

-Simply joys of celebrating the sacraments during covid times/lockdown.  Sick calls, Funeral masses, and just sharing moments with families.

-Going to the families and BECs  for bible-sharing. Listening to the stories, their pleas and worries.

-His experience as formator, helped him in his parish. Also, his experience in the parish helped him in his ministry as a formator in the seminary.

-Readiness of old people to help. The old people in the communities are always ready to lend a hand.

-"I know I have a companion in the ministry because of the support of other priests.”

-The experience of preparing and establishing a BEC.

-It is reassuring to have a bishop who supports his priests.

-There are people who are always helping and are always willing to volunteer in parish work.

-Visiting houses and, at the same time, surveying for a possible establishment of a parish.

-Celebration and administration of sacraments in the parish. Also aside from Confessions, we can guide others through Spiritual Director and Counseling—the ministries of listening.

Shadows:

-COVID19 Restrictions during the pandemic. Inability to go to the people.

-Young priests are sometimes left by superiors in the parish assignment without instructions.

-Conflict with some parishioners.

-Conflict with/among brother priests.

-Lack of commitment of the young. It is difficult to reach out the young.

Understanding of synodality which became more mature:

-Through prayer we become one with the people we serve.

-Even as a priest, one has to accept that he does not know everything. You are a priest because of your mission. Be always ready to serve the people.

-Be generous with your time. Learn to listen.

-Synodality is all about presence.

-Through house visitations, we get to know who are in need of sacraments, e.g. Sacrament of Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, etc.

-Priests often forget that they are just representatives of the bishop.

-Synodality is about listening and being present.

Round 2: Resonances

-The Parish Priest-Vicar relationship. Sana walang distinction at sana ma-emphasize yung sacramental brotherhood. Maintain the brotherhood sa clergy, young and old.

-Hesitation of the young priests to assert his ideas, or to be creative.

-Synodality within the clergy.

-A more healthy relationship with the bishop.

-It is difficult to evangelize the youth today.

-To be patient with the youth. Be present. Descend to the level of the youth. Listen to them.

-There is a gap between the young and the old clergy. We should support one another regardless of the number of years in the ministry.

-The dangers establishing “fans club" sa mga pari.

-Openness among priests.

-Avoid being mediocre in the ministry. Be generous with our time and presence.

-Respect each other's differences as pastors/shepherds. We have different temperaments.

-Counter the subculture or cliques. Train those who are next in line. Don't compete or avoid any forms of competition.

Round 3: Proposals/Call to Action

Where is the Holy Spirit calling us, leading us and inspiring us?

-Synodality is bridging the gap. Destroy walls that divide. Bridge the gap that separates priest, young and old, etc. A priest should be a symbol of unity.

-Have a common time for prayer.

-Magka-isa, walang sapawan.

-Mentor the young priests.

-Humility.

-Spend more time together planning and praying.

-Practice solidarity and openness.

-Priests should listen and respond to the needs of the people they serve.

-Role of the bishop. He should remind priests of the sacramental brotherhood.

-Part of Journeying together is listening to each other.

-Creating more spaces of conversation among priests.

-Go beyond competition.

-Bridge the gap. Avoid all forms of exclusivism. Be a minister for the rich and the poor alike.

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I.

1. BEC , PPC Regular meeting, collaboration, listening, discernment.

It causes happiness when leaders are involved and collaborative to the different ministries.

Less happy: when all the pastoral plans are not executed or realized.

2. Lay empowerment

Forming them not just spiritually but also educationally.

Accompanying them towards the goal

of the parish.

Less happy: Every time na nagkakaroon ng lipatan ng parish. Mayroon kanya-kanyang mundo.

3. MKK-cooperation of leaders from the grassroots level, participative in all parish activities.

Less happy: one of the members of finance council is not transparent on money matters. Not making financial report. Mga leaders na nag aasal pari.

4. Decision making of every formators ( Evaluation) there is consultation being made.

Less happy: not fully matured in listening.

5. Giving fund in every ministry in the parish. Making a balance. Where money must be spent. Church construction or in ministry?

6. Parish General Assembly given opportunity for planning. Consultation happens. Weaknesses and strengths are heard. Less happy: still when there is no realization of plans.

7. Dalaw-Pari to every household and given a chance to celebrate mass.

8. BEC leaders are still listening , willing to be formed, willing to learn, and willing to be in the service of the Lord. Less happy: still when programs are not realized.

II. Reasonates

1. The holy spirit is the protagonist , agent of evangelization. Various relations pathways the Holy Spirit is at work.

2. Peripheries: kung sino pa ang malapit sila pa ang mahirap abutin.

3. Seminary must be the locus. Priest formators maunang magbigay halimbawa ng synodality.

4. Ensuring the quality of seminary formation for the seminarians for them to be equip.

5. Struggling on the issues of clericalism. Non- cleric making decision on the things that are not on their hands to decide to.

6. Seminarians as early as in their formation are expected to be in touched in parish life. Immersing themselves in apostolate.

7. Consultations must be done always. Between priest and lay leaders.

8. Executions of plans may not be done or implemented perfectly, let us allow the holy spirit to work.

III. Where is the Holy Spirit leading us?

Proposal: call to action

1. Being challenged to a conversion by listening to God, to people, to churches teaching, reviewing or updating of seminary formation.

2. To learn how to let go my own ideas. Instead of imposing my own.

3. To be spirit led, human as we are , we want things be done immediately. Sometimes we have to slow down not to rush things.

4. Maybe to be person oriented rather than programmed oriented. Be relational rather than critical.

5. To be more engaging in the Divine movement of the spirit.

6. To apply effective / affective communication.

7. To foster fatherly role in the community. Not manifesting being strict.

8. Still be always open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit in all Ecclesial works.

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EXPERIENCES OF A SYNODAL CHURCH

1.     Being inclusive by inviting all those in the peripheries such as tricycle drivers and the voiceless groups of our society. Being listened to is very much appreciated by them.

2.     Being risk takers by conquering fears. Being obedient to the bishop as to following where he wants us to be.

3.     Being Neutral in terms of ideology

4.     Being organizers of BECs. Involving the people and letting them voice out their aspirations and suggestions lead to the recognition of their giftedness. In this way, the Church is becoming more creative. Accommodating their voices resulted to a more inclusive, participative and communal church.

5.     The experience of “Brothers shepherding brothers” in the spirit of accompaniment among brother priests and the local ordinary fosters synodality among us, pastors.

6.     Family and brother priests are sources of light and happiness. They give inspiration to move forward in the ministry.

7.     Leaving behind the personal baggages and letting oneself to be guided by the Holy Spirit.

8.     Openness even to nonCatholics promotes inclusivity in the Church.

9.     Building relationship among the parishioners and parish priests in the spirit of mutual listening and prudence.

RESONANCES

1.     The importance of presence translates what Synodality is.

2.     Letting the Holy Spirit work through us by becoming open to its promptings.

3.     Synodality promotes good relationship among Church members. Malungkot kapag walang synodality.

4.     Bond with and support from the family add inspiration in the ministry.

5.     The importance of good relationship between parish priests and parochial vicars.

6.     The importance of conquering fears which may paralyze our potentials.

7.     The importance of prudence in fostering unity and healing.

8.     Welcoming attitude of pastors.

WHERE IS THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLING AND LEADING US?

Communal Discernment

In the spirit of Synodality, our communal faith is shaped by our active engagement and unity with one another, guided by the Holy Spirit's wisdom and teachings. Through fostering an environment of inclusivity and shared purpose, we seek to be agents of healing and reconciliation in the church longing for compassion and empathy, aligning our will with His divine guidance.

Synodality emphasizes the importance of nurturing good relationships that go beyond mere connections, creating a sense of familial support and strength between parish priests, vicars and lay faithful. By embracing openness, prudence, and a welcoming attitude in all interactions, we answer the Holy Spirit's call to be beacons of light and vessels of love, spreading His message of hope and salvation worldwide. As stated in Colossians 3:14, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity," let us embody this unity through our actions and relationships.

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Reflection Questions:

What experiences of a Synodal Church have I had in my ministry as a Parish Priest? Which ones have been happy and which ones less so?

What understanding of Synodality have I been able to mature through them?

TAKING THE WORD AND LISTENING

-Fr Jonathan

*Reaching out to the communities (house to house visit) to encourage them to receive the sacrament of marriage especially members of the basic ecclesial communities that are civilly married "akyat Bahay ng divine mercy"

-Fr. Samuel

*Importance of consultation especially to the p.p.c

* Give programs for the youth, especially human development

- Fr. Roel

Empowering the lay especially in the ministries, knowing the communities uniqueness and accepting their differences

-Fr. Jovy

Empowering the people in Choosing leaders in the parish . . Always involving and supporting the youth because they are active alive and full of spirit .

Supporting the ministers financially

# there is politics in the church and we should be neutral

-Fr. Anelito

Spending time with the neo-catechumenal community , a group of lay empowerment because the holy spirit works in them

-Fr. Denish

Building relationship first with the workers in the parish, praying with them and sharing a meal with them.

*Aside from the monthly masses, finding time to visit the people in the periperies , the basic ecclesial communities, make time to sit and to listen to them.

Fr. Cermy

-developing a culture of solidarity especially the "payag sa kabus" the members of the parish contribute and volunteer to help build a home for the poor members of the community

MAKING SPACE FOR OTHERS

*Supporting the program of " Bahay para sa mahihirap"

* Not just the priest but empowering the people to choose lay leaders

*Importance of relationship with the people

, people do not remember your brilliance but your kindness and your relationship with them

* Make the people feel that they are involved , the priest will be the one to go the people to let them feel the presence of the God

* Extending the mission of the church, in their homes and workplaces, to bring the synodal spirit to the unchurched people

BUILDING TOGETHER: TO WHAT STEPS IS THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLING US TOGETHER

* We go where the spirit blows . . " Obedience"

*We must first be witnesses to what we say, to our fellow Priests and to the faithful, to live in a spirit of "servant-leadership".

* We must form and educate our people to be a Synodal church

* We must have a Marian spirituality, " Let Go and Let God

* Conversion is the key to achieve the goals of becoming a "Synodal church: Communion, participation and Mission"

*We must be "active listeners" to hear not just by ears but by the heart

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Convergences.

1. Most of us have been exposed to administrative and curial work in the past before our parish assignments, so we tend to demand agility in the parish works and processes which we realized that it is not effective in the parish context. So, we all realized the immense need for patience.

2. Simplicity of lifestyle and the capacity to connect and relate with our parishioners create a deeper communion in the parish and it also results to greater participation from the people.

Divergence.

1. The humility of a 75 year old priest who after learning that one of his flock decided to step away from his parish involvement due to a personal issue in the past, went to his house and apologized just to win him again and serve the parish.

2. The conversion experience of a Jehovah's Witness and his family towards the Catholic faith which only started when the PPC asked him to lend his donkey for the Palm Sunday procession.

3. A newly appointed parish priest who arrives in the mission area thirty minutes before his scheduled Mass just to hear confessions even if most of the times, no one approaches the sacrament but he continues to hope that it will make a difference.

Communally,

We desire to become more listening and forgiving priests in our parishes especially considering the rhythm of life and formation of our parishioners, to make an effort to reach out to the lost and those who ceased coming to Church because of our unbecomings and to gradually grow in the virtues of humility and patience which really make a difference in the lives of our parishioners and will make our parishes radiate

Synodal face.

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Experience of a Synodal Church in Ministry

Sharer 1:

As a priest, I was given the responsibility to build a church and rectory. I realized it was difficult to manage this task alone, so I formed a Parish Pastoral Council and a Financial Council. This collective effort embodies the spirit of a synodal church.

Sharer 2:

Being assigned to a challenging mission in Marawi, I find joy in serving my bishop faithfully. A sign of my synodality is obeying one's superior.

Sharer 3:

In my ministry, I was also given the challenge of building a church and rectory. I made sure to involve the community in this effort, fostering empathy and sympathy among the people. It's essential to balance the needs of the people.

Sharer 4:

Building both a physical and spiritual church community can be challenging, especially when dealing with fellow priests who have differing opinions.

Sharer 5:

Happiness in mission comes from following a clear vision and mission. Confusion arises when the vision and mission are not understood, leading to different paths and a lack of direction. Synodality helps the faithful understand the mission and vision.

Sharer 6:

The Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC) bring me joy. The mission continues when I immerse myself in the BEC, although sometimes the challenge comes from those who are not open to renewal, especially the old and traditionalists.

Sharer 7:

As a new priest and new director of youth, I find happiness in being with them, accompanying them in their desires, and listening to their stories

Resonances

-Sharer 1: Collaboration

-Sharer 2:Listening & collaboration

- Sharer 3: Gift of understanding and willingness

- Sharer 4: Accompaniment

- Sharer 5: Hearing their needs and helping one another

- Sharer 6:Listening heart and renewal of the faithful

-Sharer 7: Support group among the clergy

*To what step is the Holy spirit is calling us together

“A church that believes in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, listens to the people, and fosters deep reflection among priests, creating a reconciling presence between God and humanity.”

Suggestion:

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We are hoping that we become synodal parish priests who are open, aggressive, flexible, creative, high-spirited ministers for the growth of our parish communities. We commit ourselves as agents of Synodality by becoming immersed, listening, welcoming and joyful ministers. Renewed by the Holy Spirit, we are resolved to promote dialogue among the communities and with those who belong to other faith and christian denominations, to work in harmony by reaching out, to find new inspirations by discovering charisms, encouraging participation in the people of God.

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Group 20

Summary: round 1

1. A priest noticed that purok leaders has a sense of mission.

2. Young people involved in BEC.

3. There are programs being given to the poor.

4. Street masses are being held as a way to a synodal church.

5. Pastoral plan coming from the BEC's.

6. Spending time with the people after mass.

Challenges.

1. Physical tiredness.

2. Lack of support from fellow priests.

3. People are not that participative.

4. People resistant to change.

Joy

1. BEC is well established to our diocese.

2. Synodal spirit is already on going in the parish.

RESONANCE. Round 2

1. Synodality is already there but tiresome yet there is joy

In exhaustion.

2. Joy in journeying together.

3. Synodality as a way to developed further not just good

relationship with the people but more importantly with

fellow priests.

Round 3. Where God is leading us into action.

1. Renewal of the church through the renewal of the clergy.

2. Synodal spirit must be emphasised in the seminary formation.

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1.    for five years that the parish existed it also have 5 parish priest. with the abrupt and sudden changes of priest the faithful continue to help in the development of the church. however the downside to it is the adjustments of the faithful, especially with the new guidelines and ways of the new priest.

2.    the bishop is very generous. the guidance of the seasoned priest. the help of the faithful is also important. he is happy with the collaborator in the parish. the work is very tiring and challenging as a young priest. listening to the guidance of the seasoned priest, the bishop and the Holy Spirit is very important.

3.    it is very challenging for a new priest to be assigned in a parish without a good church and convent buildings. With series of seminars, letting the faithful understand the need of a parish, it enables the parish to flourish.

4.    Lay empowerment. Lay collaboration and mission - medical mission and charity works. however, it develops lay clericalism.

5.    Meeting of the PPC is very important. It discovers problems and with it also can create solutions for the good of the community. One unhappy experience is the faithful creating issues on priest regarding women. it is good that we need to develop the art of listening and collaboration.

6.      the collaboration of government and Church is important. He is happy with his work on the spiritual direction on drug dependents. it is challenging yet fulfilling.

7.      his experience of synodality is within the seminary. the dialogue not just with the seminary fathers but also with the seminarians. to be assigned in the seminary is fulfilling, to be part of forming individuals to become priests of the diocese. He slowly become mature in listening.

8.      in a synodal church, one of the most important thing is relationship and time with people. he is happy relating and spending time with people. Less happy is when politics and politicians enters the community. he trains families to facilitate and help in the evangelization

Where can you resonate from the sharing of your group members.

1.    Politics entering the community will create conflict in the community. Lay clericalism/too much empowerment of the lay will also create conflict.

2.      collaborative effort of the community and the capacity to listen to the community.

3.      Pagpalit-palit ng pari has the effect to the community.

4.      the importance of creating a community whole and the priest relating with the community.

5.      lay empowerment

6.      the capacity listen, as a formator it is a way to guide seminarians, and to be with them.

7.      Ang papalit-palit ng pari. there are priest who are BEC lover or BEC killer. their should have BEC guidelines to have structures and framework for every program.

8.      Lay empowerment and making the community find their voice as a church.

where is God leading us to do?

1. God is leading us to live in synodality in the parish. Parish leaders meeting and community gathering to listen to the faithful

2. To promote synodality in the church  is to start within the parish priest. he should know hat to listen, to relate, to move forward, to be generous, to be docile to the Holy Spirit.

3. The need to unlearn our learnings from the past, and re orient ourselves in the lives of the parish, to walk with the people, to live with the people, and to decide with the people.

4. Create good relationship with God and people in the community. we cannot do mission without a good relationship with our people. The apostolate of Presence.

5. Three words, awareness of the best practices in our Dioceses, to learn from others and to share.

6. Self-emptying. Let us allow ourselves to be used by God.

7. The Holy Spirit is inviting us to be agents of mission.

8. discover the capacity of your community

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Table 16 Report

First Round: Sharing by Eight Members

1. As Formator

- Key Points:

- Formation begins in the seminary.

- Importance of consulting seminarians and parents in decision-making.

- Policies should reflect this inclusive approach.

- With 23 years of experience, there is satisfaction despite challenges.

- Emphasizes listening to seminarians and the joy of being a formator through obedience and love for the role.

2. Parish Involvement

- Key Points:

- Regular involvement of the council in decisions.

- Challenges with elderly parish lay leaders and physical limitations post-severe COVID-19.

- Struggles with fulfilling demands and feelings of inadequacy due to health issues.

3. Ministry of Presence

- Key Points:

- Emphasizes the importance of presence in ministry.

- Personal combat with physical barriers to be effective.

- Advocacy for living the apostolate of presence for greater effectiveness.

4. Chairperson of Commission on Clergy

- Key Points:

- Focus on being present for priests with concerns and cases.

- Highlights mutual support among priests.

5. Parish Priest

- Key Points:

- Openness to suggestions during PPC meetings.

- Balancing relational aspects and church policies.

- Gathering fellow priests and addressing issues collectively.

6. Newly Assigned to Parish

- Key Points:

- Reorganization and reorientation of the council.

- Dual role as parish priest and secretary of the bishop, leading to a tiring workload.

- Emphasis on listening and data gathering.

7. Lay Ministers Organization

- Key Points:

- Active and faithful lay ministers, although aged.

- Challenges in maintaining enthusiasm and addressing standards for lay ministers.

8. Experiences of Synodality

- Key Points:

- Collective efforts in hosting events and handling crises.

- Personal growth through overcoming parish challenges.

- Learning from experiences to mature as a priest.

Second Round: Additional Sharing

1. Decision-Making Process

- Key Points:

- Emphasis on structured processes for decisions.

2. Recognition and Awards

- Key Points:

- Need for recognition of those shifting roles due to fitness concerns.

3. Elders' Active Participation

- Key Points:

- Elders often play active roles in the parish, particularly those faithful like "Lola."

4. Safeguarding and Support

- Key Points:

- Handling multiple assignments, including safeguarding minors and vulnerable adults.

- The importance of dialogue and mentorship, especially in the first five years of priesthood.

5. Accompanying Priests

- Key Points:

- Challenges in accompanying both priests and laypeople.

- Relational aspects are crucial in priesthood.

6. Ongoing Formation and Support

- Key Points:

- Need for continuous spiritual direction and updating.

- Monthly recollections and ongoing formation are necessary.

7. Seminary Evaluations

- Key Points:

- Allowing seminarians to provide feedback to formators.

- The importance of being open to feedback.

8. Transfer and Reshuffle Challenges

- Key Points:

- Difficulties with transfer or reshuffle of priests.

- The necessity of unity and avoiding division among parishioners.

9. Financial and Relational Policies

- Key Points:

- Standardized allowances for priests.

- Emphasis on relationships over physical structures.

- Need for a collaborative and respectful approach among priests.

Third Round: Concrete Proposals

1. Relationship - Apostolate of Presence and Listening

- Key Actions:

- Engage with and listen to others.

- Invest in ongoing formation from an early age.

- Training in counseling.

2. Skill Development

- Key Actions:

- Adhere to directives from the bishop.

- Provide necessary training and support.

3. Process

- Key Actions:

- Form teams for decision-making to avoid unilateral decisions.

- Ensure confidentiality and data privacy.

- Invest in training, updating, and renewal programs.

Overall Recommendations

- Investment in Human Resources:

- Emphasize the importance of ongoing formation and the psychological well-being of priests.

- Encourage the bishop to invest in the formation and support of clergy.

- Team on Commission on Clergy:

- Utilize the grace of the office and prioritize prayer in decision-making processes.

This report highlights the collective experiences and insights shared by the members, emphasizing the need for relationship-building, skill development, and structured processes in priesthood and parish life. Investing in ongoing formation and fostering a collaborative environment are key to addressing the challenges and enhancing the ministry.

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1.1. SHADOWS

a. Having multiple roles in the diocese and taxing schedules greatly affect one’s involvement into attaining a synodal church as these may limit pastors to engage with, relate to and listen to the people.

b. The people who might misunderstand what synodality is all about can lead them to clericalism: that is when they impose on what they want which results to a clash with their pastors. Often, priests, who as pastors do their duty in leading the people to the conscience of the church are seen to be strict and austere.

1.2. LIGHTS

a. Majority of those who attend are still naturally generous and helpful and therefore, solidarity and synodality still manifest especially in times of need.

b. In synodality, the people get to know and experience priests of various styles and dynamism. This results to people becoming appreciative of their pastors who at first the people had a negative impression with.

c. The synodal consulation opened an avenue for the priest to know his flock and for the people to know their pastors.

2. STRIKING MOMENTS

a. Making firm decisions and holding on to church traditions do not make our church less synodal.

b. The greater threat to synodality does not lie so much on priests who may be strict but on the lay having clericalistic characters.

c. Synodality has long been practiced only that we were slowly failing to engage into a dialogue and to listen.

3. WHERE IS THE HOLY SPIRIT LEADING US?

The Holy Spirit is leading us into becoming a compassionate and listening church. The Holy Spirit further encourages us to discern on the quality of our flock guided by sound doctrines and not so much on the quantity. With the creative minority and inclusive church that we have desire to attain, we are assured of not becoming a spineless church or a patronizing church but rather a church that is firm, never surrendering its truth, but instead proclaiming it in its purity, teaching and shepherding the flock of Jesus Christ rightly.

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Building Together (Call to Action/ Proposals)

"To what steps is the Holy Spirit calling us together?"

The words that truly capture our sharing  for Call to Action are:

1. The invitation to listen and dialogue especially between parish priests and the seminary formators in the process of synodality in order to form synodal priests in the future.

2. Communion- we are not separated, alienated with the people. We are grounded and co journeyer with our community. We must act together with them.

3. Solidarity- the heart of solidarity is the space to listen toward others. The question is on how to listen and how to communicate well. To know and discern where the spirit is leading us. Our task is to be discerning, open and be vulnerable

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FIRST ROUND

1.  He is consultative in his first parish—he accommodate suggestions from his parishioners. He was able to develop programs happily because of the participation of the faithful. The problem arose after the reshuffling and a senior priest was assigned on that parish; many programs were stopped. He reassigned Father to his former parish and conducted a meeting. He noticed that his parishioners were multitasking in the parish and they didn't realize that they had grown from their parish life. Father considered it as a blessing and wantedI to adapt this method  (conversation in the spirit) to his parish.

2. Since 2012, we started the diocesan assembly during my first term as a parish priest. We acknowledged the participation of the faithful, restructuring the diocesan level to a parish level, shortening processes, and filling up positions even though some were not ready for the tasks. There was a lack of understanding about why they were assigned. Evangelization was needed first to fully equip them for the tasks or ministries they were about to join. We also needed to adapt the conversation in the spirit to deepen their understanding and participation.

3. In the last parish, people tended to leave the church, but I regathered them, and they participated even in the renovation of the church. At a barrio chapel, the leader and some laypeople were not on good terms, so I gave a recollection for them to reconcile. They were touched by the recollection and reconciled. We organized men lay faithful for the purpose of involving men in the liturgical celebrations. The community became active due to the collaboration and initiative as a gift in reconciling themselves.

4. From Butuan, DPA 2008, the diocesan shared vision was a product of consultation from the parishes. Many parishes were able to own the statements in the diocesan shared vision. During the process, the bishop was liberal, and the clergy participated in the discussion and decision to implement. There was a problem with how the clergy could be part of the shared vision, as some of them could not relate. It was suggested by a father to the bishop to unite in the meeting.

5. In the barangay parish, consisting of four large barangays, during the pandemic, we used live streaming, and for som3 parishioners they came to the church. By September, Fr. decided to visit the neighborhood to celebrate mass, and people participated even from their homes, some from windows and doors. During the second round, it was already organized by the laity. Everything became more organized. The novena mass was celebrated in the barangay for the faithful to attend. The approach included catechesis, mass, and mesa (salo-salo).We invited the ministers and pastors of the non-Catholic denominations, and most of them attended—promoting synodality, ecumenism, and inter-religious dialogue.

6. In the new parish, during the first few months, I noticed that the Lectors were selected based on the lay attendees during Sunday mass. There were no organized ministries. Fr. organized and started doing formation, and the parishioners responded well. However, regarding their assignments, they tended to backout; they wanted to choose their own time. The enthusiasm to serve was there, but the struggle continues. Formations are ongoing.

7. The strong presence of young people in the parish serves as a threat to the "old ones" in the parish. We are trying to reconnect them and emphasize their roles.

SECOND ROUND FINAL

1. The approach is consultative, in conversation with the Spirit. Structured programs were laid down and imposed on the faithful. There is a need for the conversion of the priest.

2. The laity opted to leave their duties; for them, it seemed like compliance because it was mandated by the diocesan team. There was a lack of process and conversation. Charisms and talents were not considered. They left because they did not want the position or were not happy about it.

3. Priests are sometimes a bad example to the people. Even in the Presbyterium meeting, it should be a kind of formation for priests. There should be no division. At the end of the day, it is part of forming the priests. Go back to the common purpose. If the priest is committed, the laity will appreciate it and support you.

4. The role of the youth in the parish has been significant; they were able to sustain their service to the church even until the new normal. How to gain the hearts of the young people? What strategies would help them find common ground between the young and the old?

5. Structured programs can be a comfort zone. We need to motivate and challenge the community to mobilize. Bridging the gap between those in the barangays and in the parish turned out to be fruitful. Presence gives a strong impact on the lay faithful.

6. It is very evident that, when it comes to implementation, there is difficulty, especially at the parish level. Some priests are not welcoming or supportive of the programs, which need dialogue.

7. The fruits coming from reconciliation can benefit the parish and the lay faithful.

COMMUNAL DISCERNMENT

1. It is alarming that every time there is a consultation, it always sheds a bad light on the priest in the parish. This reflects a culture of comparison in the parish.

2. The pastoral program of the diocese and the realignment of the parish pastoral program to that of the diocese were affirmed by one priest as being effective.

3. The transformation of BEC (Basic Ecclesial Communities) as a way of life.

4. Consultation will result in our sense of "ownership."

5. Strategies are also important.

6. Ongoing formation is necessary for both priests and lay faithful.

7. BEC is validated by synodality.

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1st Round Sharing Experiences of a synodal Church

1.1- Building the Church from the scratch is a Synodal Experience.

1.2- People empowerment " Sense of ownership"

1.3- To get involve by walking with the people

1.4- Formative accompaniment

1.5- Being challenged or questioned by fellow priests.

1.6- This gathering is a learning experience.

1.7- Priests are inspired by the people in their ministry.

2nd Round Resonance

2.1- Finding joy in every assignment in the ministry.

2.2- Our plans sometimes are not the plan of God for us.

2.3- Depriving oneself of the many opportunities and luxury of priesthood for the sake of service.

2.4- Not to be afraid because people will help us in our ministry.

2.5- Healthy lifestyle.

3rd Round

The Holy Spirit will guide us.

Be joyful...

We pray, we listen and inspire each other, we discern together, and we speak of that joy we experience because of Christ.

Priests' gathering conversation in the Spirit.

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Experience of a Synodal Church in Ministry as Parish Priests and Seminary Formators:

Experiences with votive masses, marriage encounters, charismatic meetings, processions, and preparing the parish as a shrine.

Pastoral care, including bishops' visits to small communities and peripheries, and catechizing the people.

As an administrator, learning from the community and emphasizing that it's the people who teach more.

As a pastoral director, creating and improving pastoral programs.

Transitioning from parish life to seminary life, with initial idealism and learning to be more productive in the seminary.

  Happy and Less Happy Experiences:

Happiest when the parish was declared a shrine.

Feeling clueless about how to be an effective administrator/parish priest initially.

Enjoyed working as a consultant in the archdiocesan synod and learning from young clergy.

Challenges in addressing the demands of seminary life.

  Understanding of Synodality Maturity:

Synodality involves presence, vulnerability, and humility, including apologizing and acknowledging weaknesses.

Walking with the people, understanding their culture, history, and owning the community as a pastor.

Personal experiences in the peripheries enhanced understanding of synodality.

Daily schedules in the seminary, engaging with seminarians, letting them plan with guidance, and addressing issues with guidance counselors.

Formators need to be good listeners, adjusting and listening to others, and being formed as formators.

Resonance: What Touched You Most Deeply and What Challenged You?

·       Context of the parish and the seminary:

Balancing right place and right time is crucial in the parish and seminary.

Maintaining relationships with parishioners and seminarians can be challenging.

Even when immersing oneself, it's important to remember the pastoral role and set boundaries.

Reflecting on the past as a young clergy and relating to the experiences of seminary formators.

·       Synodality of Presence:

Being with the people helps them feel supported by their parish priests.

Work empowerment is essential in parish life to help people grow in their ministries.

Formation for children and youth is vital.

Dealing with different personalities of seminarians and learning from them by being present and addressing their concerns.

·       Collaboration and Community:

Effective collaboration among parish priests and seminary formators involves presence and immersion.

Formators need to adapt to situations and be part of the community, not just authorities.

Delegating responsibilities and practicing the art of listening are important for fostering collaborative ideas in parish life.

Where is the Holy Spirit Leading Us? How Can This Be Translated as a Communal Action or Action Plan?

PCP II and BEC (Basic Ecclesial Communities):

BECs have become an institution and good model for our synodality.

The movement aligns with Pope Francis' advance vision to provide for the needs of the Church.

The importance of consultation and collaboration with the faithful in the Church in the Philippines.

Inspiration and Animation of the Community:

The role of being an animator (parish priest/formator) is to motivate the community through presence, listening, and immersion.

Keeping the community alive and engaged by empowering them to become good shepherds to their peers.

Emphasis on being new disciples and listening to Jesus within the community, the Body of Christ.

Journeying Together:

Accompanying parishioners and seminarians through their triumphs and vulnerabilities.

Embracing a communal approach to support each other and grow in faith together.

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#1 Summary of Sharing:

1. Communion with the people in their joys and anguish

2. Sense of dialogue,ay empowerment, and bayanihan

3. Obedience of priests (elderly) and the patience of the people to their priests

4. Lay participation and the attitude of indifference of some

5. One’s firmness to ones duty against compromise in the political arena

6. Sacramental brotherhoodf priests in the ministry

7. Entitlement versus entrustment in God

8. Immersion with the people, being real priest, and providence of God

#2 What touch our hearts… (resonances)

1. The importance of Eucharist in the life of the priests

2. Providence of God and entrusting our work to Him

3. The ministry of presence

4. Common mission of witnessing

5. Faithfulness in prayer life

6. Mutual respectand foundational element of relationship (priests and lay)

7. Act of communing with the lay and sense of gratitude

8. Giving quality time to the people

#3 To what steps is the Holy Spirit is calling us together?

“SYNODAL CHURCH: A HOME OF COMMUNION WITH GOD”

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Sharer 1: Struggle - on level of the clergy, it is hard to take off with synodality because of personal differences

: espesyal ang pari. More priveleges though you are not perfect. Very consoling ang mga tao

: pero inaabuso ng pari ang privelege na ito

Sharer 2: minority ang christians compared to muslims

: the challenge is how to deal with other religions

: problem dealing with politics because laws are based on religion. There are threats

: problem in dealing with the spirituality and polical life of people

Sharer 3: first timer parish priest. People are just relief receivers. Problem in our resources. Hard to make people contribute. The chapel can only accomodate 40 people

: hard to ask politicians for favor

: there is no support from the vicariate

: hard to invite people to participate

Sharer 4: nice to be with the people especially with those at the peripheries (barrio folks, mga lalaking lasenggo, mga mahihirap)

: pero mga taong simbaan ang hadlang. Masakit sa kalooban nilang makita na mainstall na communion minister ang dating lasenggo

: my learning about synodality = familiarity breeds contempt.

: Mga taong simbahan ang hadlang sa synodality. Gusto nila sila lang ang espesyal

: synodal way of life should start from us as parish priests or priests

Striking moments:

Sharer 1: hindrance talaga ang nasa dati na sa parokya (gaya nang kung sino may alaga nga mga rebolto/ santo)

: hindi kami dumadami kasi sila sila lang

: we are trying to establish BEC's

Sharer 2: volunteers in the church feel higher than the priest specially the elders of the parish. Problem to deal with them

Sharer 3: problem with self entitled parishioners. Akala nila sa kanila ang simbahan

: but we tell this to our bishop

: our bishop assigned mondays and tuesday for trainings and meetings for priests so as not to make powerful parishioners abuse us.

: bishop reminds the people during fiesta

: church is really active in dealing with social issues

: there was a point that politicians revealed the Dark secrets of priests in the diocese but more people support the priests

: we are against illegal mining

: little by little there is healing in the relationship between priests and politicians

: priests have no health benifits and insurances in our diocese.

: priest should establish BEC

: a priest should not have dark issues when he establishes BEC

Sharer 4: mga nasanay sa dole out ay mahirap anyayahan mag contribute sa simbahan.

Where is God leading us?

SYNODAL LIFE IS EQUIVALENT TO BEC LIFE OR BEC BUILDING

if there is BEC, programs are smooth flowing

BEC should be supported by our bishops

Transition of parish priests - incoming parish priest should continue BEC

Every family give their tithes or love offering regularly to support the church

We eradicate arancel system and make church services free of charge

BEC building is poor-friendly

Because of BEC vocation to the priesthood increased in some dioceses

BEC's have become vocation promoters because we deal with families

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Composed with priests coming from different classifications of ministries; Parish Priests, Seasoned ones, Young Clergy, Formator and even Chaplain of MOP, beautiful sharing emerged with varied perspectives and experiences of each one.

Beginning with the young priests whose ministry is filled with learning and adjustments, they focused on the challenges of implementing synodality whether in the ministerial level of the parishes and on the BEC level. These led to the importance of rooting back to the formation given in the seminaries. As Fr. Romualdo, a formator from Malolos, pointed out that as we had our training in the seminary, they are not practiced in the the parishes because priests are then obliged to adapt to the said system and even the culture of the community. Fr. Michael from Iloilo added that the formation of BEC is important so that synodality will be lived by the laity, not in accordance with the mandate of priests but as part of a culture eventually to them.

With formed leaders in the parish, Fr. Neil from Taytay, Palawan added that all decisions should be done by everyone, that they may have the sense of owning (as words of Fr. Kedron from San Carlos) to the decisions made for the welfare of the parish. Such decisions will be strengthened if the priest himself will journey together with the people, making time and being with them as Fr. Jason from Pampanga emphasized on Companionship. This will address one of the problems in the parish as what Fr. Leo coined as KBP (Kapisanan ng mga Bashers ng Parokya) wherein people inside the Church are spreading words against priests. So that, as Fr. Jun from Cubao would say, even after reshuffling, there would be smooth transition of parish priests, no biases or creating conflicts among brother priests and affecting the lay as well.

In summary, the group agreed on the points that Synodality is a Consultation. As priests would listen to the voices of the lay, so as the bishops should listen to his clergy, that decisions whether diocesan or parish level is based on a consultative agreement. This is where the art of listening and even being listened to comes in. That the continuity of synodal programs and especially the relational aspect of the people of God may prosper towards a better Church.

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HUMILITAS

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CONVERSATIONS OF THE SPIRIT 1 (TABLE 12)

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Happy ones:

Finding the less previllege by Work of charity.

To be with them the ITa's exp. of grabbing their lands.

As New Parish priest assign we held a meeting of all cordinators in parish and BEC not just the PPC. For ministries and the whole parish to be involved.

Everybody owned the responsiblity and contributed to the projects of the parish ex. Sensilyo para sa retablo.

Catechism is emphasized so not to be swayed by other denomination

Kapong- a synodal way of raising funds, the poor and the rich go hand in hand helping the church.

New parish is born,and high energy of people shared. Sign of synodal cimmunity.

Inspired by an idea of team ministry. An exp. Of synodal priests.

LESS ONES:

ITA's ancestral domains are grabbed by some individuals (the need to interven with the help of DAR/ CARP law.

Tension bet. democracy/consultitative and dictatorships in parish activities.

Other group is against to some activities,need to be heard.

Others are persuaded by other denominations, need to be catechized.

Delimitations of the priests to enter into the finance counsil,difficulty to ask for funds bec.everything has to be ask from the PFC. The regress came out so going back to the mentainance mood of administration.

The diff. Which voice to be heard.

REASONATING POINTS:

EVERY BODY IN the parish is helping and contributing to the activities,as long as they are being given attention to be catechized and have felt knowledge of the faith.

Admiration of the resiliency showed by priests in the parish. No one has to be left behind. A synodal church is an INclusive.

Owning of the responsibilty in the church dynamics.

Where the Spirit is leading us?

The call to cancel the arancel system in all dioceses( hopefully)

The answer:

Everybody in the parish owns and contributes to the parish dynamics (poor and rich journeyed together to work in the Church)

So if this is the grace: No one is left BEHIND.

Thus,FELT FORMATION, CATECHESIS, IS MUCH NEEDED.

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Fr. Rizalino

being a chancellor and at thesame time as a parochial vicarial, decided to live in a chapel and felt the need to push the people desire to elevate the quasi-parish into becoming a parish, however, the shadow is that he was not assigned as the parish priest after expecting to be so.

Fr. Ritchie

assigned in a shrine and felt the exhaustion of serving a big parish like the services offered in the holy week schedules and held the role in forming young people and had to face the challenges of including them after issues faced.

The weight of the responsibility in building a shrine center

Fr. Hitchon

already had an experience of synodality even this program was launched.

He experiences a calamity in his parish and felt the solidarity of the people.

Typhoon Odette challenged them being the victim of this calamity.

Being a victim, people still had donated in kind to be used in helping other victims.

The victims themselves sadly took advantage of the situation.

Fr. Emerson

BEC has become the way of life

Chapel masses are done at night to accommodate the working class

The moment after mass is an aopportunity to be with and talk with the people.

The attendance of the people to mass went down due to various reasons.

Fr. Antonio

he remembers his parish assignments and he is known to be a serious priest.

His style is his closeness to the people but when it comes to serious issues, he becomes austere in a professional manner.

He admits his routine of drinking alcohol but not a drunkard.

He dealt a situation when he suspended people in their ministry due to their negligence.

People reacted to his austerity but eventually created a certain closeness with him.

Fr. Den

assigned immediately as a parish priest in a topographically big parish.

Engaged in pastoral works centering in the Eucharist.

Did not have time to listen to the people due to his heavy schedules.

Eventually had to adjust his schedules to accommodate the people.

Fr. Vlad

Member of the National Synodal Team

Witnessed the processes and synodal consulatation.

Being a member of the national team, the small number of members was not in proportional with the number of dioceses.

Had a difficulty in collating the reports from the dioceses.

Saw this job of collation to be taxing as he came to know about the situation of at least 23 dioceses.

Saw the opportunity of travelling to different places and came to know with priests and people.

Felt pressure due to the taxing routine

Fr. Howard

enjoying life as a parish priest

Doing his best in this responsibility

He is not used to being alone and therefore feels the need to have a companion priest

He sometimes neglects his prayer life and is involved into drinking alcohol when alone.

Feels the desire to talk with the bishop to air this sentiment.

This disposition he believes to be greatly affecting the spirit of synodality.