On October 30, 2013, the Rockford Diocese received formal notice that Pope Francis has called for an Extraordinary Synod to address Pastoral Challenges to the Family in the Context of Evangelization to take place October 2014. The Holy See asks that information on this synod be shared as widely as possible so that all those Catholics who wish to do so in the Diocese of Rockford may have an opportunity to provide input.
Bishop David J. Malloy has circulated the Preparatory Document for this Synod to the Deans and priests throughout the diocese and to the Diocesan Pastoral Council for response. The responses from dioceses will be gathered by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to be passed on to the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops assembled by the Holy See.
For those Catholics wishing to submit responses please read very carefully the body of the Preparatory Document found in the link provided. This context will help prepare you to address the series of questions and aid you in framing a response.
To those wishing to provide input, we offer the following suggestions.
1. First, read just the body of the Preparatory Document (follow link in English or Spanish).
2. Then note your initial responses.
3. Next, review the questions. There are 38 questions, under 9 sub headings.
4. Rather than responding to each individual question, focus on one, two or three of the subsections. Treat the questions as a guide. We suggest you focus on either an area of particular interest, experience or expertise.
5. On the topic(s) you choose to address, prepare a brief response of roughly one or two paragraphs each.
6. To submit your responses you must include all the information below with your responses. Due to the time needed by the Holy See to assemble this material, your responses must be received in writing, signed and received NO LATER THAN NOV. 29, 2013.
RESPONSES MUST INCLUDE
•Your name and complete address.
•Your parish name and the city of your parish.
•Your role if you are making a submission on behalf of a group or parish
•Your signature
Mail your responses to:
THE DIOCESE OF ROCKFORD
P.O. BOX 7044
ROCKFORD, IL 61125
ATTN: SYNOD RESPONSES
Thank you for your consideration in taking part in this important study and assisting in the Holy Father's request through this work, to "fulfill the mission of being an instrument of communion through which the collegiality desired by the Second Vatican Council is expressed and realized."