In October 2021, Pope Francis opened the “Synod on Synodality” – a worldwide consultation of the People of God that would unfold in three distinct phases: the local phase, the continental phase and the final Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. The Diocese of San Bernardino has concluded the local phase and worked to synthesize what has been heard at the diocesan level. Bishop Alberto Rojas is expected to present the discerned findings of the local phase of the Synod in September 2022.
As we conclude the local phase, it is worth reflecting on how we have journeyed through this process together up to this point. Bishop Rojas, Ordinary of the Diocese, and Sister Leticia Salazar, O.D.N, Chancellor, both embraced the Synod on Synodality as an opportunity to learn more about the local reality and people of the Diocese of San Bernardino.
The Diocese officially began the local phase of the Synod with an Opening Mass on Oct. 17, 2021. Prior to that, diocesan directors had gathered to study the Synod preparatory document and handbook. From this group of directors, a small core team was formed to reflect on the documents and discern the best way for the Diocese to embrace the synodal process, as well as to assist pastors and ministry leaders as they entered the synodal process in their communities. In addition, a committee that would be responsible for consulting underrepresented and marginalized groups was formed.
Throughout fall 2021, the diocesan core team worked to develop resources such as a facilitator guide and video training modules that individual facilitators could use to guide their synodal consultations. These resources are still available on the Diocesan website at sbdiocese.org/Synod/index.html. The core team also began to learn about and practice communal discernment. In November, the core team held Synod Orientation sessions on Zoom. In January, the same team hosted online training sessions. In February and March, the Diocese held the annual Combined Vicariate Meetings. Sr. Nathalie Becquart, X.M.C.J., and Bishop Alberto Rojas gave the keynote addresses. The remainder of the meetings modeled synodal listening sessions with clergy, lay leaders and young adults.
Synodal consultations began in earnest in the spring. These consultations took many different forms. Some parishes used surveys and open-invitation meetings to conduct broad parish-based listening sessions. Many parish-based and diocesan ministries teams conducted listening sessions both with their ministers and those served by the ministry. At least 46 parishes participated in the Synod in substantial ways and have submitted their findings to the Diocese. Nearly 10,000 parishioners contributed to the process.
In addition, there were specific consultations for priests, deacons, seminarians, religious, young adults, families of those with special needs, the incarcerated, the LGBTQ+ community and diocesan employees, as well as online surveys and questionnaires that individuals could complete. In total, at least 18 groups not associated directly with a parish submitted reports to the diocese. Over 1,500 people opted to participate in the Synod by joining a non-parish-based listening session or submitting their reflections online.
As consultations were being held at the local level, a diocesan team distilled and reported the relevant echoes from the V Encuentro process and the recent Raíces y Alas conference. Their contribution to the diocesan synodal process has guaranteed that this current Synod reflects not merely where we are now, but also our rich history of journeying together, even though we are a relatively young diocese.
Many who conducted listening sessions described being transformed by the process of listening to others’ stories and hearing about their faith journey. Those who shared their stories, especially those who participated in small group sessions, stated that they felt listened to by the Church for the first time. As a result of these positive pastoral outcomes, the Diocese of San Bernardino is committed to continuing the process of synodal engagement in the years to come and allowing it to shape our future structures and practices.
