The Dream

Pope Francis has embarked on a worldwide process to consult with all the faithful of the world, to journey with them just as Jesus did with the rich man who asked "what must I do to inherit eternal life? (Mark 10:17). He calls it Synod 2023. He wants to hear from us on the role of the church in our lives today. He invites us to “journey together” in faith. And the way to do that authentically is for the church to genuinely listen to the faithful – that’s us!

In his own words -- Pope Francis
En sus propias palabras - Papa Francisco

The goal is simple: listen so that we all might discern the best ways of addressing the challenges we face in the world today and walk together toward healing and unity.
 
At the insistence of Pope Francis, the Church is listening! What would you like to say?

The Questions

At the core of this process is three questions for each of us to reflect on and share our heartfelt responses:

  1. How is God present in your life? In what ways does the church support, or fail to support, that presence?
  2. What experiences of the Catholic Church have brought you joy? What experiences of have wounded you?
  3. What is the single most important step the Church should take in the next five years?

If you wish to respond to the questions individually, click here.

Our Response

We have a variety of options for responding (before March 15!):

  1. Facilitated conversation in a live, gathered setting. Designated tables at Sunday Hospitality on March 6 and March 13. Your comments will be recorded by a ‘scribe’ and added to the body of gathered data. 
  2. Facilitated conversation in a live, online Zoom meeting. Sessions will be recorded so that comments can be added to the body of gathered data. Zoom sessions scheduled for Sunday March 13, immediately after Sunday Mass (11:15 am). Zoom info:  https://zoom.us/j/98155735623 or dial in by phone 253-215-8782, Meeting ID: 981 5573 5623. 
  3. Individual response via online portal. Click here and write your responses to each of the three questions. Your responses will be added to the body of gathered data.
  4. Individual response via email or USPS mail. Write your responses to the three questions and email them to stchas@stcharlespdx.org or drop them in the mail to St Charles Church, 5310 NE 42nd Ave, Portland, OR 97218. Your responses will be added to the body of gathered data.
  5. Facilitated conversation in the context of a parish meeting (Multicultural Committee, Care 4 Creation Team, Social Justice Committee, Parish Staff, Pastoral Council, Admin Council, other). Schedule will be determined by each committee. Responses will be added to the body of gathered data.

What Follows

All responses will be compiled and categorized anonymously, and posted here. They will also be sent anonymously to the Archdiocese, and perhaps directly to the Vatican, reflecting our participation in Pope Francis’ worldwide synod.
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