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Greetings!
As we move toward the 2015 Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, we want to ensure Pope Francis' model of open, frank and respectful dialogue is carried out in every diocese. When it comes to the realities of family, marriage and human sexuality, Catholics want their experience and faith to be heard by the bishops as new pastoral practices are being considered.
Here are some ways you can exercise your rights and responsibilities making sure all Catholic voices are heard!
Timeline for Listening Sessions
| February - March 2015 | Convene listening sessions and gather feedback from all participants | March 31, 2015
| Convener sends report to organizers who will send the final report to Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, synod delegates and all the bishops. | | April 1 - 15, 2015 | Organizers compile all the results, complete the final report and send it to Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, synod delegates and all the bishops. | | April 15, 2015 - September 2015 | Catholics can access listening sessions report on ourcatholicfamily.org to take along to meetings with bishops and synod delegates prior to the synod in October 2015 |
2. Sign our open letter asking synod leaders to widen the circle of invitees at the 2015 Family Synod!
As we prepare for the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family in October 2015, we continue the work Pope Francis advocates;"engaging in pastoral activ
ity characterized by a 'culture of encounter' and capable of recognizing the Lord's gratuitous work, even outside customary models (Lineamenta)."
FutureChurch, as part of a national and international coalition of Catholic reform organizations, is asking the bishops of the world and Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, to widen the circle of invitees (auditors and experts) who will be invited to the synod in Rome to include divorced and remarried people, co-habitating couples, interfaith families, impoverished families, single parents, families with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender members, same-sex couples, and families torn by the violence of war and abuse. Hearing from those who understand the issues from experience will create greater understanding among the synod fathers whose final recommendations to Pope Francis will likely impact our Church's pastoral practice for years to come. Help us get 10,000 signatures or more!
3. See below for additional actions to promote listening and dialogue in the lead up to the 2015 Family Synod.
Ask your bishop to ensure dialogue will take place in your diocese surrounding the synod issues and processes.
Meet with your bishop to talk about the synod issues and processes.
Gather a delegation to speak with synod delegates before they head to Rome in October 2015. (resources will available after April 15, 2015 when the listening session report is completed!)
FutureChurch
17307 Madison Ave.
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
216.228.0869
info@futurechurch.org
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