Friday, January 27, 2023 – Centering on Mission, Anchoring in Prayer, Collaborating in Charity

Bishop Cantú led a liturgy filled with joyous prayer and music by some of our young parishioners to bless the synod hall. The four pillars of the Synod were vividly represented in the beautifully decorated Locatelli Hall. “One” was represented by a shell; “Holy” by a cross, “Catholic” by a monstrance symbolizing the Eucharist, and lastly, “Apostolic” by sandals. Well anchored in prayer, the delegates spent time at their tables reflecting on their personal hopes as they considered the proposals for Diocesan Renewal.  Dr. Alison Bender, Vice President of Ministry and Mission at Santa Clara University, and Father Luis Calero, the rector of the Santa Clara Jesuit community, welcomed participants and acknowledged the university’s close relationship with the diocese and Bishop Cantú. They expressed appreciation for the Synod’s significance to the entire Catholic community in Santa Clara County.

Like Father Joe Kim’s opening remarks, the bishop urged everyone to “think big” and not worry about the practical details of costs, staffing, or precedent. Bishop also emphasized that this “sacred work” will not be completed immediately but will take many years to implement fully. Action plans for the approved proposals will be developed and included in the pastoral plan, currently scheduled to be announced around Pentecost Sunday.

Saturday, January 28, 2023 – Sleeves Rolled Up; Hearts and Minds Open to the Spirit

By the end of Saturday, the delegates accomplished the goal of prioritizing the top six proposals in each of the eight themes, known as the “Top 48.”  Spiritually, the discovery of the presence of God in the conversation was the real fruit of the day.

Sunday, January 29, 2023 – Some work, some play, and a bright future

“The Canticle of the Sun” began the third and final day of the Synod General Assembly. The morning liturgy captured the joy and hope that seemed to reverberate throughout the day. In the morning, the delegates gathered in the working groups to discuss the “Top 48” proposals. The delegates focused on understanding the proposals on that list that their group had not discussed on Saturday. Once the spirited yet respectful table discussions were concluded, all assembly delegates and volunteers sat in silent prayer for 10 minutes, asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance in their final round of discernment over the proposals for diocesan renewal. This quiet created a sacred space for each delegate to then make a second thoughtful vote on the remaining proposals.

While awaiting the voting results, Rosio Gonzalez, Chief Operations Office for the diocese, with John Reid, founder and partner for The Reid Group, outlined the next phase of diocesan renewal – pastoral planning – led by the Pastoral Planning Commission, which culminates with a pastoral plan being unveiled on or about Pentecost Sunday of May 2023.

The afternoon continued with several delegates, identified by their facilitators, sharing their personal reflections on the weekend. Notably, the young adults who attended stated that they ‘felt respected’ and grateful to be a part of the process. Then the results of the Sunday vote were revealed. The results of Saturday’s and Sunday’s votes, along with all original recommendations from the faithful, now move to the Pastoral Planning Commission, which now begins its work in earnest.

After Mass, a mariachi band led everyone from the Mission across campus to the spectacular fiesta filled with good food and entertainment. Performances reflect our valley’s wonderful diversity, including a Mexican folklorico dance group, Nigerian dancers from the local Catholic Igbo community, and Vietnamese youth drummers and dancers from Our Lady of La Vang parish. As people left the Synod General Assembly, they felt hopeful and Spirit-filled!

Our historic Synod is over, and now the Pastoral Planning Commission takes the “sacred work” of the General Assembly to continue the “sacred work” of Pastoral Planning. A high bar has been set for the next phase, and the Diocese will continue to lean into the Holy Spirit and trust that God is guiding us at every step along the way.