June 7, 2000
TO
THE PRIESTS AND LAY FAITHFUL OF
THE ARCHDIOCESE OF VANCOUVER
Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
You
have waited patiently—and prayed patiently—for the first fruits of
our Archdiocesan Synod. I
am pleased that the Synod’s preliminary commission on prayer has now
presented me with its report. Our
first “study paper” can now be published.
What
is a study paper? It is a
discussion paper presented for your study and comment. When the preliminary commission has obtained the reaction and
ideas of a wide range of individuals and groups, it will revise the
study paper. The revised
study paper will become the working paper that will be debated in the
formal Synod sessions.
I
have been impressed by the response of people to the first phase of
the Synod—the “see” phase of the “see-judge-act” model which
we are using. Thousands
replied to the opinion survey, and many added individual comments.
The telephone survey produced many interesting and insightful
comments on Church life and spiritual needs.
But
this next phase—when we judge the information obtained by reflecting
on it in the light of Sacred Scripture and Church teaching—is even
more crucial. The preliminary commissions are made up of
committed and talented people, but they need the help of the whole
Archdiocese to be sure their documents reflect the needs and hopes of
the entire community.
The Synod’s results are not a “foregone conclusion.”
However, if individuals and groups do not take the time and trouble to
reflect on what the study papers say and send in their comments and
suggestions, then the Synod will be the work of a relatively small
number of people. On the other hand, if we take the opportunity
which is offered by this wide-open process, we can each play a role in
assuring a fruitful Synod that will help build a stronger Church.
What
are the rules? In short, there are no rules and no restrictions on
this phase of the Synod’s work. Any individual may make comments
directly to the preliminary commission, and any group, large or small,
may offer its response and suggestions. Parish meetings are
encouraged to obtain a consensus view, or small groups may gather just
to discuss the study paper. As one priest told me, “the process is as
wide open as the Saskatchewan horizon.”
When
your responses and ideas are submitted, they will be heard and given
every consideration. Each
preliminary commission knows that its job includes listening.
The
first paper, as I have mentioned, deals with prayer—an important topic
in the life of each Christian and each Christian community. It is an easier topic on which to reach agreement than some of
the others, which means it is an ideal place for our process to start.
This does not mean it should be taken lightly, however. The recommendations of the study paper are far-reaching and
deserve careful thought. To
give ample opportunity for this, the preliminary commission will not
begin work on the revised working document until September 30th.
Once
again, I want to remind you that this stage of our Archdiocesan Synod
depends on parishes, on Catholic organizations, on groups and on you as
an individual. Please read
the study paper on prayer in The B.C. Catholic, on our website, www.rcav.bc.ca/synod.,
or obtain a copy from your parish office—and then share your thoughts
and suggestions or gather with others to discuss them.
Please send your comments to the Preliminary
Commission at 150 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2A7 or e-mail them to
synod@rcav.bc.ca .
I know that you join me in persevering prayer to the Holy Spirit,
that He may guide us as a diocese to a new springtime of faith and
Christian living.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Adam Exner, OMI
Archbishop of Vancouver
SEE:
Study Paper Review
Handbook
