Requently Asked Questions
What is a SYNOD? A Diocesan Synod is an assembly of selected priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a local Church, which, for the good of the whole diocesan community, assist the Diocesan Bishop in the exercise of the office proper to him, namely that of governing the Christian community. When and where [...]
Synod & Canon Law
The new Code of Canon Law reflects the self-understanding of the Church as taught by the Second Vatican Council. It defines a synod in this way: “The Diocesan Synod is an assembly of selected priests and other members of Christ’s faithful of a particular Church which, for the good of the whole diocesan community, assists [...]
Synod & Second Vatican Council
The Second Vatican Council returned to the biblical understanding of the Church as the People of God and as a community united by an inner bond of life, God’s own Spirit, who is given freely to make us one with Him and each other. Two important principles are operative in the Second Vatican Council’s concept [...]
Synod History
From the Acts of the Apostles we find evidence that the early church had councils to discuss and make decisions on matters that were challenging the church community. As the church grew, it was divided into regions called dioceses based on the organizational model of the Roman Empire. Before long, each diocese found it necessary [...]
Synod Origin
The word synod comes from the Greek prefix “Syn” which means together and Greek noun “hodos” which means road or journey. Therefore, the word synod means a journey together. When the meaning of the word synod is placed in a biblical and theological context, the root meaning takes on a Christian dimension. In the Scriptures, [...]
Announcement of Diocesan Synod
My dear sisters and brothers in Christ, six years ago, when I took office as the Bishop of the Diocese of Roseau, succeeding your beloved former Shepherd, Archbishop Edward Gilbert, our Pastoral Plan was developed out of a process that had begun from the Diocesan Synod of 1996 and 1998 under the theme “Building Church Together”. From 2003 until now, we have attempted through the various Diocesan department: the parishes, secretariats and commissions, institutions and offices, to implement that Plan. Needless to say, there were varied levels of success from one of the forgoing sectors to another.
Synod Prayer
God our Father, you have called us to build Church together here in Dominica the land of the Lord. As we embark on our Diocesan Synod, as disciples on a Mission, be with us in the power of your spirit. Open our ears to hear your word; our eyes to see the needs of your [...]
Cathedral Synod Committee 3rd Workshop
The third workshop of the Cathedral Parish Synod Committee was a decided bounce back from the disappointing turnout at the preceding one which was a sharp pendulum swing from the first. Attendance expectations for this event were met with just shy of 40 participants. Could the venue be the charm? Possibly, though a number of [...]
