Synod Update

As y’all will remember, the diocesan Synod Assembly was held a few months ago to discuss and prepare for the future of the local Church. Some appointed delegates from our parish joined with others from across the nine counties that make up the Diocese of Dallas prayerfully to consider a set of resolutions — which were themselves the product of many listening sessions and much reflection — and to vote on both their level of support for the resolutions (from “strongly discourage” to “strongly recommend”) and how to prioritize the resolutions overall. 

Some of the results of the Synod voting were recently published in the Texas Catholic diocesan newspaper. (By the way, if you aren’t receiving a copy of the Texas Catholic at home, and would like to, please let us know.) Though not exhaustive, these selected results give us a sense of how the Synod was conducted and what sort of material it provides to Bishop Burns to consider as he discerns what will be best for the whole flock. 

To give a contended example: Resolution 83 was to move the typical age of reception of the sacrament of Confirmation earlier in a child’s life, to before first Holy Communion (perhaps during the same year). Nearly 60% recommended or strongly recommended the proposal, while a full 30% discouraged or strongly discouraged it. Good arguments were made on both sides of the debate, and enough delegates felt strongly about it that it ranked within the top 15 highest priority resolutions for implementation. 

Now the vote itself remains merely consultative. If Bishop were to decide that, although the majority voted one way, there are serious reasons for going the other way, that would be his prerogative. Nevertheless, I think it’s fair to assume that the Synod provided valuable insight into how our local Church might thrive, and that many of the recommended resolutions will come to be put into action. 

And that leads us to what comes next. As Bishop continues to discern our path forward, he does so assisted by a team of the faithful who are already working on ways to implement these resolutions in accordance with his vision. Let’s pray for him and his team, and for the whole local Church, that this Synod may bear much good fruit in this life and in eternity. 

And speaking of Bishop Burns, we look forward to welcoming him to the 10am Mass next Sunday as he administers the sacrament of Confirmation to several of our young people. We are grateful for his leadership, and always glad to have him come visit!