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The final report of the diocesan phase of the Synod has been released, reported Bishop James F. Checchio to the people of the diocese. As a result of the months-long interview and recording process, he said, “our diocese has experienced a process that allowed for authentic listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit… Therefore this report is not a strategic plan but a summary of recurring themes for us to reflect on and learn from as we continue our journey as a diocese.”
As the 13-page document explains, the “Synod on Synodality” opened Oct. 10, 2021, with a Holy Mass in Rome celebrated by Pope Francis; Bishop Checchio was one of two bishop delegates from the United States invited to concelebrate. Following the opening liturgy, Bishop Checchio met with parish ambassadors to explain the purpose and timeline of the synod and listening sessions, intending to hear the concerns of the roughly 657,000 Catholics in the diocese’s 90 parishes.
To this end, the bishop appointed two contacts for the diocese, including Father James De Fillipps, parochial vicar, St. Bartholomew Parish, East Brunswick. Jennifer Ruggiero, secretary, Secretariat for Family and Pastoral Life, was appointed chairperson of the diocesan Synod Planning Committee. Efforts were taken to promote participation by a diverse swath of Catholics, including high school and college students; the Hispanic community; ministers to the elderly, homeless, poor and immigrants; LGBTQ groups and those in the women’s prison, homeless shelters and food pantry clients.
Participants were asked a wide variety of reflection questions designed to clarify both the joys and challenges of faith in the diocese, such as how journeying together happens in the parish; how God speaks to them through others in the parish; what enables or hinders them to speak up in their parish; how their parish uses listening and consultation to make decisions, and where they have heard the Holy Spirit.
The report lists major themes that surfaced across all groups and in response to multiple discussions. In no particular order, they were:
Positive and negative effects of the pandemic: The pandemic required a measure of creativity to keep parishioners connected, for example, live-stream and outdoor Masses. The pandemic also created wounds, such as a sense of abandonment, that need healing.
The threat of polarization within the Church: The participants were divided into two main groups: those pushing for change and those with traditional views who want more clarity on Church teachings.
The need for more inclusion, welcoming and pastoral outreach to groups who feel marginalized: This includes, divorced Catholics, traditional Catholics, those with disabilities, ethnic groups, LGBTQ, youth and young adults, the poor, homeless and immigrants.
A desire for the Eucharist: Much of the joy in being Catholic lies in experiencing the sacraments, especially receiving the Eucharist, which many missed during the pandemic. As we enter this period of Eucharistic Revival there will be more opportunities for formation on the Eucharist as well as Adoration.
The need for clarifying the “mission” of the Church and the role the laity have in sharing in that mission: There seems to be a lack of understanding of what it means to evangelize and missionary discipleship.
The yearning for more faith formation: There is a desire to discuss not only what we believe as Catholics but also why we believe it and how we can live what we believe.
Father De Fillipps admitted he was surprised at “the openness and honesty of our people in responding to the questions.”
“The reactions of the people were more intense than expected, and the polarization that exists in our society is found in many of our parishes,” he added. “From all the data gathered, it seems most people share the same care and concern for the life of the Church on many of the same issues.”
The synod results instilled Father De Fillipps with a sense of hope for our future, such as “the love of their Church and priests, the sense of community many feel within their parishes, the many generous and warm encounters people have within their churches and the value people see and experience, including their church and priests in their personal family lives,” he enumerated.
Finally, Father De Fillipps expressed disappointment the synod timeline had been negatively affected by the pandemic, and that such small numbers of youth had participated, both in the diocese and statewide.
Ruggiero reflected upon the value of the synod process, saying, “[It] enabled many participants to give witness to their love of the faith and the sacramental life.
“However, in other cases, the process seemed to reopen people’s wounds. The responses revealed how deeply divided the Church is on so many issues; the [synod] process allowed for true listening to one another and to the Holy Spirit, despite opposing opinions.
“All in all, I think this synod experience has prompted a renewed desire to work together to address the joys and sorrows we face as a faith community. This should give us hope.”
The final Diocese of Metuchen synod report, along with reports from every diocese in the United States, have been forwarded to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., for synthesis into one national report. That report, along with others from every region of the world, will become a working document for the Vatican; it will be presented and discussed in the General Assembly in Rome in October, 2023.
“By and large,” wrote Bishop Checchio, “participants testify to an experience through this process that brought joy and hope for the renewal of the Church and of society.”
The entire 13-page Synod report can be viewed, in English and Spanish, on the diocesan website at https://www.diometuchen.org/synod2023
