Paving the road to Synod 2009 continued last weekend when the Synod Team met with archdiocesan vicars and two delegates from each vicariate at the St Charles RC Church Parish Hall in Tunapuna.

Chairman of the Synod Committee Fr Allan Ventour, in a well-prepared power point presentation went through step by step, the process driving the Synod preparations.

Synod 2009 is slated to come off on the last two weekends in January next year, following its postponement from October 2008, because of lack of readiness. The first two sittings were held in 2003 and 2005.

In addition to the presentation, the delegates participated in two workshop type sessions, breaking up into three groups to discuss the three pastoral priorities – new evangelisation, a regenerative moral framework and a Catholic culture and identity.

These three priorities will form the basis of a mission statement for the Church.

Fr Ventour explained that the priorities arrived at were the results of reflection and careful study of the parish assembly reports which had been submitted to the vicariates, as well as issues discussed at the Mayaro conversation attended by priests, parish administrators and parish co-ordinators.

The laity’s lack of understanding of sacramental worship, poor preaching and the need for greater efforts to reach the youth were among the issues that gave rise to new evangelisation as a priority.

“Regenerating a moral framework” came out of dialogue on the need to address crime, regeneration of family life and revitalising the Catholic school. It was felt the Church had to address the rising food prices and the lack of integrity in our society and the rebuilding of the value system.

As regards “Catholic culture and identity” various discussions showed the need for a return to a people-oriented Church, where there was focus on the poor and disadvantaged in the society and on the need to bring together the Church of the affluent and Church of the poor.

It was also observed that parents did not sufficiently prioritise spiritual growth for themselves and their children. – Vernon Khelawan