Sr. Francine Maas, first at the left, in a meeting of the parish council in Saint Francis Xavier Parish in Winooski
For me, synodality means living and working together with other Christians to live our faith not only in words but in action. It means
that the leadership is horizontal/circular and not vertical, thus the parishioners/community members have something or more to say
about the running of their parish/community.
Synodality in our parish
In the 2 ½ years that I have lived in Winooski, VT. I have not heard or read a word about synodality in our parish or diocese. I go to Mass three
times a week at the parish, including Sundays, so if it was mentioned, I would have heard about it.
However, there is some progress. In 2023, our new pastor launched a request for people to be members of a parish council, which did not at that time exist. The response was extremely good, and the council is now functioning.
In addition, preparation is underway for the launching of the ALPHA program, which is a series of 15 group conversations that explore the
basics of the Christian faith in a friendly environment. It’s an opportunity to connect with people, where you can say anything you like or nothing at all. Everyone is welcome, no matter their background or beliefs.
There are five teams of parishioners caring for the different aspects of the program. I have been requested to be responsible for the Prayer
Ministry aspect of it. Individuals are coming forward to serve on these teams.
Lately, in February 2024, a news bulletin from the diocese asked to reflect on two questions on how structures are helping and supporting
the mission and how structures help all the baptised to respond to the Gospel and become a community of love and mercy in Christ. The
answers will be part of the report the Bishop’s conference will hand in in April to the Synod office in Rome.
There is also an offer to bimonthly Zoom meetings for parishioners and parish delegates to reflect continuously on these two questions on structures and mission.
A practical link to our charism
Though it is very simple, the link and the role that I see are mine is to be an initiator in all that I do in the parish where I am now becoming more involved. For instance, as I will be leading, before the exposed Blessed Sacrament, the 1 ½ hour prayer session for the participants of the ALPHA program, I hope that those who will be praying with me will learn something about group contemplative prayer.
Building a “synodal Community”
Though “building a synodal community” seems to be a “fancy” expression, in our community reality we are striving to involve all members in the life of our community, to the extent that they can do so and want to do so. This, in itself, is a big challenge. Though we are only a very small cell of the congregation, if we are alive in our synodality, then we are doing our part to enhance the life of the congregation.
Each cell, no matter how small, has its role to play.
