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SYNOD SCHEDULE
- The Vancouver synod is expected to take about 3 years, possibly longer.
Generally this is how it will unfold:
- Questionnaires are distributed widely so all can participate.
- Angus Reid surveys 1,000 Catholics by phone at random.
- Five commissions are formed, corresponding to the early Christian
Church’s main activities: Teaching, liturgy, prayer, community, and evangelization.
- Each commission reflects on the survey data, using Scripture, Tradition,
and Magisterial documents such as teachings from the Second Vatican Council.
- Each commission draws up a discussion paper outlining the Church’s
situation, proposing steps to become more like the early Church.
- Discussion papers are distributed widely, one at a time, with a request
for comments.
- Individuals or groups may respond to the discussion papers, although
group discussions are encouraged.
- Reactions to the discussion papers are forwarded to the pertinent
commissions.
- Commissions redo their discussion papers by incorporating reactions
received. These five revised documents then become the working papers for the actual
synod.
- A representative group of clergy, religious, and laity study the working
papers, and prepare and vote on recommendations for the Archbishop.
- The Archbishop issues legislation or pastoral directives based on the
recommendations.
- An archdiocesan body ensures that adopted recommendations are implemented
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