By Jessy Joseph
New Delhi: Indian bishops’ laity council has launched programs and seminars to prepare Catholics for the Synod 2023.
“This is the first time in the history of the Catholic Church that discussions and observations regarding Church activities are sought from the people of God from the grassroots in preparation for the Synod,” says a press statement issued by V C Sebastian, the council secretary.
The December 13 press release said the council will organize seminars for lay leaders and parish representatives in all 174 Catholic dioceses and the 14 regional councils of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India.
“Our organizing strategy is to first hold the programs for the regional councils and then dioceses. Individual churches are also organizing such programs,” Sebastian told Matters India December 14.
The Vatican has already released relevant guidelines based on which discussions have started in all Catholic dioceses all over the world October 17. The Pope intends to lead the Church in the third millennium soliciting suggestions and sharing from the entire faithful including the Laity, says the press release
The laity council would initiate communication with various Christian denominations through pastoral councils, laity organizations and basic family units.
Sebastian says the Pope’s insights would give a new sense of direction, involving active laity participation, for the onward march of the Global Church.
On December 7, Kerala Bishops’ Catholic council organized introduction program. Syro Malabar Church laity will meet on December 20, Sebastian said.
The theme of the Synod depicted on the logo read: ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.’ Pope Francis officially inaugurated “the synodal path” Oct. 9-10, 2021 and will conclude with the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023.