Universal Synod
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Universal Synod
St. Augustine’s Parish is joining Catholics from around the world in participating in the Synod on Synodality. This process, called by Pope Francis in October, 2021, is an opportunity to pray together and to invite the Holy Spirit to help us listen deeply to one another, and discern where God is leading us, our parish and the entire Roman Catholic Church.
As a general guideline, it should be noted that this synod is about synodality itself. Synodality is not just an event or program, it is a way of being Church. The synod’s goal is not to discuss all of the issues in the Church, but rather to discuss how the Church listens to, and can listen better to, all her people, and how the Church can draw together the voices of all: bishops, priests, deacons, vowed religious, the Pope and the laity into her prayer, her mission, and her decision-making process on every level.
This is a historic moment and opportunity. Some have said it is the most important event for the Church since the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965).
Here at St. Augustine’s Parish, we will be gathering in various ways to discuss where we think the Holy Spirit is leading the Church. These discussions will be held over the next several weeks.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Joe Gainza at phone number: 802-522-2376 or email: jgainza@vtlink.net Or leave a message at the parish rectory office: 802-223-5285.
PRAYER ON THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
Every session of the Second Vatican Council
began with the prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, the first word of the Latin original meaning, “We stand before You, Holy Spirit,” which has been historically used at Councils, Synods and other Church gatherings for hundreds of years, being attributed to Saint Isidore of Seville (c. 560 - 4 April 636). As we are called to embrace this synodal path of the Synod 2021-2023, this prayer invites the Holy Spirit to operate within us so that we may be a community and a people of grace. For the Synod 2021-2023, we propose to use this simplified version, so that any group or liturgical assembly can pray more easily.
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance leads us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
Amen.