FOSTERING THE GROWTH OF THE CHURCH

Pope Francis launched the Synod on Synodality in Vatican City, which took place at the end of the Covid 19 pandemic on 9-10 October 2021. The Synod Assembly was supposed to end in October 2023, but the Holy Father extended it until October 2024. All the concrete proposals for the future of the Church will be finalised by the end of this weekend, following the agenda set by the Instrumentum Laboris or Working Documents. This three-year Synod Assembly will officially conclude this Sunday, 27 October 2024, with the release of the final documents of the Synod on Synodality during Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

Since 2021, we initiated the Synodality process in our parishes, embarking on a shared faith journey. This journey encourages all Church congregations, parishes, dioceses and countries worldwide to engage in meaningful listening, discernment and conversations in the Spirit. It enables collaborative decision-making, to foster the growth of the Church in today’s challenging world. We highlighted critical issues affecting all levels, including faith and moral dilemmas, evangelisation strategies, and social justice concerns. We ensured our voices would be recognised and valued, at the Synod Assembly 2023 and 2024.

The Synod on Synodality addresses critical topics, makes decisions on fundamental issues, and engages in deep theological discussions. Every Church member stays informed about the results of each session at the Synod Assembly. The Synod of Bishops carefully considers all significant issues and key matters that influence the Catholic Church, its governance, teachings and the decisions and actions made by the Church.

The Universal Church has been praying the Synodal prayer at almost every weekend Mass these past three years for a significant and meaningful Synod of Bishops 2024. We will end this Synodal prayer this weekend, and continue with the Jubilee Prayer 2025 – “Pilgrim of Hope”. Pope Francis designated it - inviting us to reflect on our prayer life - examining what we pray, how and why we pray. He wants us to go deeper into our prayer commitments and love for God, and accompany others in prayer during the Jubilee Year of Prayer. 

In the upcoming Jubilee Year, our Parish of St Thomas Kuantan has been selected as a pilgrimage destination within the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. Throughout the Jubilee Year, we, as a vibrant Synodal Church in the East Coast, remain committed to listening, discerning and conversing in the Spirit - faithfully considering the thoughts, insights and recommendations from the Synod of Bishops 2024, to enrich our life of the Church.

Let us embrace the core values of our Synod of Synodality, journeying together as we uplift one another to achieve unity in all diversities. Together, let us renew our dedication to serving our community better, and carry out the mission of the Church during this extraordinary Jubilee Year.