THE FIRST SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF SAN CARLOS

1. Theme: “I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness” (John 10:10)

2. ABOUT THE SYNOD

a) What is a Synod?
The term “synod” comes from the Greek words:
syn: same, together
hodos: way, road
A synod is an elected and appointed assembly of priests, deacons, those consecrated to God in religious life, and laity. It is an ecclesiastical gathering to review and renew the pastoral strategies to further Church Mission attuned to the times and needs of the people. It is a way of setting relevant norms and pastoral planning of the diocese. (Cfr. Canon Law 460 – 468)
The goal of the diocesan synod is to advise the bishop as he seeks to teach, sanctify, and lead all entrusted in his care.
Our synod is an historic event in the life of the Diocese of San Carlos. The first to be held in our diocese, it is being convoked by Bishop Jose Fuertes Advincula, Jr. in the hope that it will affirm where we have been faithful to our Diocesan Vision, Mission and Goal to be Church of the poor in the light of PCP II. This will also help us identify those areas where we can bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to other people and live it in our lives even as we continue to build and strengthen our local Church and Basic Ecclesial Communities. Let us hope and pray that our synod will enhance our unity, our commitment, our apostolic zeal and our life of faith within our diocese.

b) The Synod Process

A synod involves preparation, consultation, and deliberations that may take up to three years. It is a process not an event. Everyone in the Diocese of San Carlos will have opportunities to get involved. Here is an outline of the major phases and what happens during each.

I. Preparatory Phase
A. Initial Preparatory Phase
a) Diocesan Evaluation of Diocesan Commission & Programs ………………….Done!
b) Synod Preparatory Committee appointed………………………………………..Done!
c) Bishop convokes and launches the Synod: June 4, 2006 ……………………..Done!
d) Survey for Parish and Diocesan Profile…………………………………………..
e) Synod Directory published…………………………………………………………
f) Master Calendar created…………………………………………………………..
g) Communications Plan developed…………………………………………………..
h) Select Synod Delegates……………………………………………………………..

B. Spiritual and Educational Phase
a) Topical Committees for drafting the Lineamenta………………………………….
b) Orientation and formation for synod delegates…………………………………….
c) Training and formation for Speak Up Session facilitators…………………………
d) Prayer Campaign developed…………………………………………………………
e) Liturgy packets sent to parish priests/ leaders……………………………………..
f) Publicizing the synod process……………………………………………………….
g) Opening Liturgy for the Mini-synod/ Diocesan Synod…………………………….

C. Consultation Phase
a) First Mini-Synod at the Parish level: Speak up….We’re listening process & sessions (our Bishop’s motto: Audiam)……………………………………………………………….
1. Presentation of the Lineamenta
2. Consultation on issues and topics of great importance to the local Church
b) Create Parish summaries of Speak Up…We’re Listening Sessions responses…
c) Reports on the Lineamenta, resolutions and suggestions from the parishes to the Diocese……………………………………………………………………………
d) Bishop publishes specific topics for Synodal consideration…………………
e) Second Mini-synod at the Parish level: Speak up…We’re listening sessions on specific topics and matters related to the Diocesan Pastoral Plan, Policies and Norms…………………………………………………………………………….
f) Topical Committees develop specific proposals for Synodal review………
g) Diocesan Committee drafts a Diocesan Pastoral Plan……………………..


II. Synod Proper

a) Phase I: First Session
1. Synod Sessions:
(i) Presentation of the Topics/ Instrumentum Laboris, resolutions
(ii) Presentation of the Draft Diocesan Pastoral Plan
(iii) Small Group Discussions and Plenum
(iv) Spiritual exercises
2. Synodal Decrees:
(i) Decrees and declarations developed…………………
(ii) Decrees and declarations promulgated……………..

b) Intervening Phase

1. Consultations at different levels
2. Parish Renewal Activities; Retreat

c) Phase 2: Second Session

1. Synod Sessions:
(i) Presentation of Diocesan Norms (Acts, Decrees, Guidelines and Policies), Structure, Time Line of Objectives, Long Range Pastoral Plan
(ii) Small Group Discussions and Plenum
(iii) Spiritual exercises
2. Synodal Decrees:
(i) Decrees and declarations developed………
(ii) Decrees and declarations promulgated…..

III. Post Synod Phase: Implementation Phase

How shall we harvest the fruits of our labors? Our Synod will not an activity that leads to futility. We are engaged in a process that will shape the future of our Diocese. How will the acts and decrees be implemented? These practicalities are part of a brighter future of our Diocese that is not yet here, but a future we aspire and welcome with joy.

c) Synod Logo
A contest will be done at the Catholic schools in our Diocese for our First Diocesan Synod.

d) Synod Prayer
Refer to our Synod Prayer.

3.CALENDAR OF EVENTS
I a) Initial Preparatory Phase
April 22, 2006: First Meeting of the Diocesan Synod Preparatory Committee
May 8, 2006: Presbyteral Council Meeting on the Launching of the First Diocesan Synod
May 10, 2006: Second Meeting of the Diocesan Synod Preparatory Committee
May 21, 2006: Meeting of the Synod Launching Core Group
June 4, 2006 at 2:00PM: Launching of the First Diocesan Synod
June 4, 2006 at 4:00PM: Meeting of the Diocesan Synod Preparatory Committee
June 5, 2006 at 8:30 AM: Presbyteral Council Meeting of the First Diocesan Synod
June 5, 2006 at 10:00AM: Clergy Meeting on the First Diocesan Synod

b) Spiritual and Educational Phase
June – July 2006: Information Campaign; Synod Logo Contest; Launching of the Synod Song Writing Contest
July – August 2006:……….Parish Survey; Parish and Diocesan Profile
September 2006:………….Formation of the Topical/ Lineamenta Committees and drafting of the Lineamenta.
September – October 2006: Synod Orientation Seminars at the Parish level; Parish Renewal Sessions/ Retreat

c) Consultation Phase
November 2006 – February 2007: First Mini-Parish Synod: ‘Speak Up…We’re listening Sessions.
March – April 2007: Summaries of the First Mini-Parish Synod; Resolutions
June – August 2007: Second Mini-Parish Synod: ‘Speak Up….We’re listening Sessions
September – October 2007 : Summaries of the Second Mini-Parish Synod; Resolutions

II. Synod Proper
a) Phase I : October – November 2007
b) Intervening Phase: December 2007
c) Phase II: January – February 10, 2008



4.SYNOD COMMITTEE AND SYNOD SECRETARIAT
Chairperson and President: Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, Jr., D.D.
Moderator and Executive Secretary: Rev. Fr. Paul E.V. Medina, O. Carm.

Prep. Com. for the Synod Initial Preparatory Phase:
Most Rev. Jose F. Advincula, Jr., D.D., Chairman
Rev. Fr. Paul Medina, O.Carm., Moderator
Rev. Fr. Dindo Pepito, Chairperson, Education
Mrs. Lina Cosas, Co-Chairperson, Education
Rev. Msgr. Wilfredo Dejilla, H.P., Chairperson, Mass Media (Ilongo)
Rev. Fr. Edwin Laude, Co-Chairperson, Mass Media (Cebuano)
Sr. Cristita Cha, OAR, Mass Media
Rev. Fr. Carlos dela Paz, Chairperson, Research, Documentation
Rev. Fr. Martin Brodit, Co-Chairperson, Research, Documentation
Rev. Fr. Winly Guadalupe, Co-Chairperson, Research, Documentation
Rev. Fr. Jose Opalda, Jr., Chairman, Liturgy (Ilongo)
Rev. Fr. Rannie Verina, Co-Chairman, Liturgy (Cebuano)
Rev. Fr. Felipe Narciso, Liturgy
Rev. Fr. Ricardo Pomar, Liturgy
Rev. Msgr. Florentino Baynosa, Chairman, Organizing
Rev. Fr. Eugene Peral, Co-Chairman, Organizing
Sr. Mae Zuela, ADD, Organizing
Rev. Fr. Johnny Lagdamen, Jr., Chairman, Finance
Engr. Marlon Traspadillo, Co-Chairman, Finance





Consultants/Periti:
Canonical: Most Rev. Jose Advincula, Rev. Fr. Dennis Dindo Pepito
Theology: Most Rev. Nicolas Mondejar, Most Rev. Salvador Modesto, Rev. Fr. Paul Medina, O.Carm., Rev. Fr. Niceforo Domocol

Committee on Education:
Rev. Fr. Dennis Dindo Pepito – Chairperson
Mrs. Lina Cosas – Co – Chairperson
Members: Fiscal Epifanio Libutan
OAR Friars ADD Sister OSA Sisters
OCarm Friars FAS Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart
OFM Friars FMIJ Sisters Sisters for Christian Community
AR Sisters Holy Family Sisters

Committee on Mass Media:
Rev. Msgr. Wilfredo Dejilla, Chairman
Rev. Fr. Edwin Laude, Co-Chairman
Members: Most Rev. Salvador Modesto, D.D.
Fr. Jose Wilson Mendoza Mr. Joseph Allen Auman
Sr. Cristita Cha, AR

Research. Documentation & Publication Committee:
Rev. Fr. Carlos dela Paz, Chairperson
Rev. Fr. Martin Brodit, Co-Chairperson
Rev. Fr. Winly Guadalupe, Co-Chairperson
Members: Atty. Florita Escorial Bro. Lolan Tabotabo
Atty. Antonieta Silab Ms. Maria Elena Layumas
Bro. Arnel Raboy Ms. Remedios Marcellana

Committee on Liturgy:
Rev. Fr. Jose Opalda, Jr., Chairman (Ilongo)
Rev. Fr. Rannie Verina, Co-Chairman (Cebuano)
Members: Rev. Fr. Felipe Narciso Mr. Ulysses Peral
Rev. Fr. Ricardo Pomar Ms. Lilia Buhat

Organizing Committee:
Rev. Msgr. Florentino Baynoza, Chairman
Rev. Fr. Eugene Peral, Co-Chairman
Sr. Mae Zuela, Co-Chairperson
Members: PSINSP Victorino Romanillos, Jr. Mr. Vicente Bargo, Jr.
Mr. Gerard Peral Mr. Hermie Suarez

Committee on Finance:
Rev. Fr. Johnny Lagdamen, Jr., Chairman
Engr. Marlon Traspadillo, Co-Chairman
Members: Ms. Yolanda Nemenzo Mr. Rodrigo Senador
Mr. Doroteo Alegata Ms. Rosalinda Tan
Mr. Expedito Tanquis

Synod Secretariat:
Rev. Fr. Carlos dela Paz, Chancellor Rev. Fr. Paul Medina, Moderator
Ms. Remedios Marcella, Secretary Ms. Maria Elena Layumas, Secr
Note: Still to be formed are the Topical Committees for the Lineamenta. The Topical Committees will be in charge of reviewing the proceedings of the Mini-Synod and Synod Proper and then to create a narrative representing the ideas and opinions of the participants of the Synod. This will be the Lineamenta or the working paper which will be used in the Speak Up Sessions to help everyone focus on the topic and questions during the Synod.

5.Example of some TOPICS:

“Sanctifying the People of God” (Worship, Spirituality)
Celebrating the Eucharist, which is “the source and summit of the whole of Christian life”( Lumen Gentium 11), has its foundation in the command of Jesus, “Do this in memory of me.” We express our belief through sacred liturgy (lex orandi, lex credendi…what we pray is what we believe) and for that reason, sacred liturgy is paramount in the life of Catholic Christians.

Topics include but are not limited to: music and environment in worship, formation of liturgical ministers, preaching, Mass scheduling, opportunities for individual and parochial spiritual growth.

Committee on this topic:


“Teaching the People of God” (Education)
In Jesus, our divine teacher, we find a reverence for learning and commitment to education that the Church has sustained throughout the ages. We are called to pass on through education what we have received in faith and through careful study.

Topics include but are not limited to: Catechesis and religious formation for the youth, catechumenate and adult faith formation, family life and sacramental preparation, campus ministry and catholic schools, mass media and continuing faith formation for catholic adults and foreign missions.

Committee on this topic

“Serving the People of God” (Services)
The ministry and services we offer through our parishes provide a powerful witness to our faith, beliefs, and values as Catholic Christians. Parish-based ministries are an opportunity to give thanks to God for his goodness to us.

Topics include but are not limited to: Alay Kapwa, CBHP and healthcare ministries, Sustainable Agriculture and Socio-Economic Projects, Stewardhip programs and outreach activities to the poor, handicapped, unchurched and victims of human rights violations.

Committee on this topic:


6. MINI-SYNOD AT THE PARISH LEVEL:
A Mini-Synod at the parish level is a Speak Up Session on topics and issues of great relevance to the Diocese and parishes. The Parish Priest is the President of the Mini-Synod and so he convokes and heads the mini-synod, appoints a documentation committee and takes charge in the facilitation of parish summaries and resolutions which shall be submitted to the Diocese in due time. Here is sample format of the Mini-Synod.
1. Calling to order of the assembly
2. Opening Hymn and Opening Prayer
3. Presentation of the delegates and Profession of Faith
4. Orientation and Presentation of the Agenda.
5. Presentation of the Topic(s)/ Lineamenta
6. Small Group Discussions
7. Health breaks
8. Plenum.
9. Finalization of the Resolutions and Reports.
10. Culminating activity: Holy Eucharist ( This can also be done at the start of the Mini-Synod) Reflection, etc.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

I am a delegate from my parish. How was I selected?
Each parish priest is asked to nominate delegate candidates and provide information about them. After reviewing these nominations, the Diocesan Presbyteral Council elects one or two delegates from each parish, depending on parish population.

In addition to parish delegates, there are other synod delegates. How were they chosen?
Priests, deacons, and religious sisters and brothers also chose synod delegates, certain diocesan officials are automatically entitled to be synod delegates and some delegates are appointed by the bishop.

As a synod delegate, who or what do I represent?
Delegates do not represent a particular group. They are chosen from the full range of parish and diocesan constituencies so that the synod would benefit from the wisdom and experience of people within each of these groups. The particular knowledge of individual delegates is intended to enhance the conversation so that delegates may prayerfully and intelligently consider what is best for the entire diocese.

Why are synod delegates asked to make a Profession of Faith?
Synod delegates are asked to assume a public leadership role in the church. The Profession of Faith is a tool used by the Church to assure that those called to such public roles are well-qualified to help lead by virtue of their own commitment to church teaching and tradition. Church law requires that delegated to a diocesan synod make this Profession of Faith.

Do synod delegates have any power and authority or are e simply approving what has already been developed by diocesan staff?
Synod delegates participate in synodal discussion and vote on each question or matter that has been proposed by the people. Because the vote of the delegates is consultative, the bishop is at liberty to accept or reject these recommendations. This does not mean, however, that delegate votes are of little importance. This collaborative activity cannot help but shape the future of the diocese.

Are there topics that are “off limits” or will we be able to consider and discuss anything we want?
Since this is a diocesan synod, the only topics that can make their way to actual synod sessions are those over which the bishop has legislative authority. While concerns about universal Church teaching may emerge during Speak Up Sessions, these would not be considered at the synod sessions. Still, they are important for the bishop to know as shepherd of the People of God in the diocese.

As a synod delegate, what is my role in these Speak Up Sessions? What is my role at my parish?
You are invited to attend these sessions at your parish to offer your thoughts and hear what others have to say. In fact, we hope synod delegates will attend a Speak Up Session at another parish as well to get a broader sense what is being discussed. In addition, we hope synod delegates will play a major role in communicating back to their parishes what is being discussed during synod sessions. The diocese will provide materials to help delegates communicate this information.