Pope Leo captures the spirit of synodality in a recent address: Synodality is a style and attitude.

Synodality requires listening – all of us to each other.

For some, this is a novel idea—Aren’t leaders supposed to lead?

The issue is about how we lead: relate, interact, respond, discern, and come to collaborative decisions.

No rules for the road

By definition, there can be no rules for building a synodal parish. Precisely because we are talking about style and attitude.

The journey is of unending length and will vary in direction, twist and turn, frequency and difficulty rating.

I am assuming the fundamentals will be accepted — that the People of God coming together in the parish context recognise they are sharing a journey together where listening actively and discerning collaboratively is accepted as the new way. But this may not be universal.

A path for everyone

Synodality is not limited to formal structures such as the parish pastoral council and parish finance council. Certainly, it applies in those bodies.

Rather, the whole parish must own the approach and buy in unreservedly, for we are talking about a different Church.

A new vision of the Church

Tom O’Loughlin puts it this way: the Church “is called to be synodal as it changes its self-perception from being a power pyramid seeking to impose its vision to being a pilgrim people at the service of humanity.” (Synodality and the Recovery of Vatican II)

As we practise the new vision, we have to admit of some guidelines. Let’s make a start. Whether thinking about interaction with family and friends or peak bodies in the parish, we have to start with the embrace of the vision.

No waiting allowed

We must start now. No more waiting.

Given the lack of demonstrated action and leadership to adopt synodality, waiting is over. If we are waiting, we are not listening.

We know we need to commence the articulation of acceptance at parish level now. We know there are some things we can’t change, but there are plenty we can improve.

Ongoing formation

Do we need some formation about this vision?

Since we are talking about a different Church, a new or improved style and attitude, some guidance is desirable. Formation, repeated from time to time, is desirable.

A parish seminar or workshop and discussion on synodality in parish groups is necessary.

Practising self-examination

Who are we? Who is here? Who is not here? Are we on the same page—or at least nearby?

What will we do about those answers? Any decision will need listening, consideration, maybe time, discernment and even prayer.

We are talking about a conversion, and we know change is usually to be resisted at all costs!

Hospitality builds trust

We know the value of hospitality.

We are enlivened by the Eucharist. Trust is likely to be enhanced with a regular coffee or shared meal.

We are talking about a new style, so it may take time—but we all have time to listen.

• Justin Stanwix is an active permanent deacon in the Diocese of Wollongong, Australia. After 40 years in commercial law practice he was ordained deacon. He has a love for liturgy and especially for its artful practise dating from Vatican II deliberations. He presents and writes on current Church topics including for some years in La Croix International.
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