BRIDGEPORT—The journey for delegates of Synod 2014 will formally come to an end on Saturday, April 29, with a wrap-up session at Family Center of St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Trumbull. It will be the fourth and final post-synod meeting to update delegates about the implementation of synod initiatives and plans going forward.
Doors will open with coffee and pastries at 8:00 am followed by Morning Prayer at 8:20.
“Each delegate has played an important role in reinvigorating our Diocese over the last three years. We have so much to be proud of! The delegates have been an incredible support to me, to the Synod process, and to our parishes and schools, and I am extremely grateful,” said Patrick Turner who served as Synod Director before being named Director of Strategic and Pastoral Planning.
The three earlier post-synod sessions explored the Synod’s growing impact on the life of the diocese. Speakers also heard Bishop Caggiano’s call for continued co-responsibility in the renewal of the diocese.
During the morning, the bishop will facilitate a discussion, “Thoughts on the Synod Journey.”
“We’ll be interested in the delegates reflection on three basic questions,” said Patrick Turner, “What has been the high point of our Synod journey? What is the one item on which we need to focus going forward? And in 10 years, what do you want the Diocese to look like?”
Patrick Donovan, director of the Leadership Institute, will discuss the Catechetical Task Force report – one of the major Synod initiatives. He will also offer an update on the progress of the Leadership Institute.
The agenda for the day includes a wrap-up reflection by Bishop Caggiano.
The morning will conclude with an 11 am Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Church. Delegates will join the parish community to celebrate the Feast Day of St. Catherine. The parish has invited all Synod delegates to an ice cream social immediately following the Mass.
On February 22, 2014, Bishop Caggiano issued a Pastoral Letter formally convoking the Fourth Synod of the Diocese of Bridgeport in an effort to renew the local Church and its institutions. A series of listening sessions were held throughout the diocese in the spring of 2014.
The first of six general sessions General Sessions of the synod convened on September 19, 2014. More than 300 delegates and invited guests explored the major themes based on the challenge to empower the Young Church, Build Up Communities of Faith, Foster Evangelical Outreach, and Promote Works of Charity and Justice.
The process culminated in the Synod Celebration Mass attended by over 8,000 faithful at Webster Bank Arena on September 15, 2015.
At the conclusion of the Mass the Bishop formally ratified the recommendations of Synod delegates, which have led to the formation of the Leadership Institute, the Diocesan Service Corp, ongoing pastoral and strategic plans, and other initiatives to renew catechesis, liturgy and the overall life of the diocese.
