SYNTHESIS REPORT

Diocese of San Pablo

February 24, 2024

The Diocese of San Pablo ventures in the second phase of synod on synodality. The lay and clergy responded prayerfully and shared their synodal experiences through spiritual conversation. Many initiatives have been present in the parishes and new ones are taking place. The participants appreciated the value of inclusion in the Church- that everyone is included, that everyone is important in this journeying together. There are convergences and divergences in the aspect of formation, missionary discipleship, inclusivity & hospitality, accountability & transparency, and prayer and worship. However, there is a great challenge to have deeper awareness to care for the “common home” and to become a “green Church”

These five key points are dominant in the responses. Formation of the mind and heart is needed to become a Synodal Church that accepts and welcomes everyone in the spirit of inclusivity and hospitality, and to become authentic witnesses as missionary disciples through meaningful prayer & worship and embracing the value of accountability and transparency.

1.  FORMATION

The responses, both of lay and clergy, show the importance of the authentic formation which is the Formation of the Heart – having relationship with God through catechism, and the Formation of the Mind – knowing about Church teachings, through initial and on-going evangelization. It showcases, the value of training of facilitators, catechists, and evangelizers to have a genuine conversion and become mature and responsible members of the parish and diocese.

2.  INCLUSIVITY AND HOSPITALITY

The Responses, both of lay and clergy, converge on having a wider involvement of new members of the parish, and to enhance the commitment to serve for Parish workers. Making this to happen, both lay and clergy, see the importance of having a welcoming attitude to all people with different status in life, different orientation, and different ideas or beliefs without compromising faith and morals. However, they see the lack of communication, the spiritual conversation to have a communal discernment for proper understanding of one another, and to initiate unity and camaraderie for a healthy relationship with one another.

3.  MISSIONARY DISCIPLES

The responses of clergy and lay reveal the value of having relationship with Jesus in order to be witnesses to others through their presence, concern, solidarity, and by sharing of their faith experiences. In so doing, they become bridge-builder and not wall-maker. However, the lay people feel the absence of their pastors in reaching-out those in the peripheries

4.  ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

The responses of clergy and lay show the convergences of having a Diocesan pastoral plan for unified direction and mission which is appropriate and relevant to their parish. This will happen if there is a recognition and collaboration of different charisms and vocations empowering them in their participation in decision-making and in helping and building the parish. They must seek the importance of servanthood and stewardship, as they participate in the governance of the parish. However, parish governance is impeded or prevented by lack of consultation of the lay, entitlement, not valuing terms of office, and seniority among the clergy.

5.  PRAYER/WORSHIP

The responses of lay and clergy appreciates the value of relevant and effective prayer and worship, especially in the liturgical celebrations. In order to make this prayer and worship acceptable and affordable to all. They should be close to the heart of the people. Street and chapel masses, block rosary, dawn procession, kasalan bayan, kumpisalan bayan, binyagan bayan and pilgrimages, manifest the effort of the parish to bring prayer and worship to the people especially those in the peripheries

PROPOSAL:

Training of synodal facilitators to facilitate in the process of spiritual conversation for communal discernment in the seminary, in the parish, and in the diocese, to have a deeper understanding and acceptance of the culture of inclusion and missionary discipleship. The crafting of diocesan plan for direction, collaboration, and continuity of programs, especially for the excluded marginalized, in the peripheries, and for the awareness of the importance of environment through consultation of the people of God.

To develop a program of having a stewardship way of life in the spirit of accountability and transparency.

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