The Relatio Synodi, which is sent as the Lineamenta, concludes in the following words: “These proposed reflections, the fruit of the synodal work that took place in great freedom and with a spirit of reciprocal listening, are intended to raise questions and indicate points of view that will later be developed and clarified through reflection in the local Churches in the intervening year leading to the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops” (Relatio Synodi, n. 62)
The Lineamenta has a series of questions aimed at knowing how the document is received and to generate an in-depth examination of the work initiated during the Extraordinary Assembly. It is a matter of re-thinking “with renewed freshness and enthusiasm, what revelation, transmitted in the Church’s faith, tells us about the beauty, the role and the dignity of the family” (Relatio Synodi, n. 4). From this vantage point, we have “one year to mature, with true spiritual discernment, the proposed ideas and to find concrete solutions to so many difficulties and innumerable challenges that families must confront” (Pope Francis, Concluding Discourse, 18 October 2014). The results of this consultation, together with the Relatio Synodi, will serve as the basis for the Instrumentum laboris of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of 2015.
For this purpose, the episcopal conferences are asked to choose a suitable manner of involving all components of the particular churches and academic institutions, organizations, lay movements and other ecclesial associations.
Bishop David J. Malloy has circulated the Lineamenta for this Synod to the Deans and priests throughout the diocese and to the Diocesan Pastoral Council for response. The responses from dioceses will be gathered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to be passed on to the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops assembled by the Holy See.
For those Catholics wishing to submit responses please read very carefully the body of the Lineamenta found in the link provided. This context will help prepare you to address the series of questions and aid you in framing a response.
To those wishing to provide input, we offer the following suggestions.
- First, read all parts of the document (follow link in Spanish or English).
- Then note your initial responses.
- Next, review the questions. There are 46 questions, under three sub headings.
- Rather than responding to each individual question, although you are free to do so, it is suggested that you focus on one, two or three of the subsections. Treat the questions as a guide. We suggest you focus on either an area of particular interest, experience or expertise.
- On the topic(s) you choose to address, prepare a brief response of roughly one or two paragraphs each.
- To submit your responses you must include all the information below with your responses. Due to the time needed by the Holy See to assemble this material, your responses must be received in writing, signed and received NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 13, 2015.
RESPONSES MUST INCLUDE
- Your name and complete address.
- Your parish name and the city of your parish.
- Your role if you are making a submission on behalf of a group or parish
- Your signature
Mail your responses to:
THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD
P.O. BOX 7044
ROCKFORD, IL 61125
ATTN: SYNOD RESPONSES
Thank you for your consideration in taking part in this important study and assisting in the Holy Father’s request through this work, to “fulfill the mission of being an instrument of communion through which the collegiality desired by the Second Vatican Council is expressed and realized.”
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20141209_lineamenta-xiv-assembly_en.html
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/synod/documents/rc_synod_doc_20141209_lineamenta-xiv-assembly_sp.html
Prayer provided by Pope Francis
