The work of the Synod took place during Six General Sessions.
They took place on the following dates:
- September 20, 2014
- November 15, 2014
- February 7, 2015
- March 21, 2015
- May 9, 2015
- May 30, 2015
More than 350 Delegates and Observers from all of the parishes of the Diocese and other diocesan organizations participated in the General Sessions of the Synod.
All the faithful of the Diocese are welcome to follow the reports presented at each session and comment on them, here on this website.
Please click on the topics of the Synod (below) to see the development of the synodal process:
February 7, 2015 – Synod Summary – Since the November 15 General Session, the Synod Commission, the Study Committee members, Synod Office staff, and Bishop Caggiano met a number of times to refine, revise and synthesize the the 60 challenges presented on November 15 to the more manageable number of 9 Global Challenges. During this 3rd General Session, the Delegates heard presentations on the 9 Global Challenges and were then asked to choose their top 6 priorities. Out of this exercise, 5 Priority Challenges were identified.
During the afternoon, three presentations were made to the General Delegates:
Michael Gecan – Industrial Areas Foundation/CONECT (Connecticut Affiliate) on faith-based organizing principles. Presentation #1 – Gecan
Mary Ellen O’Driscoll – NYC Regional Director, Ignatian Volunteer Corps – on Catholic Social Teachings. Presentation #2 – O’Driscoll
Mary Ellen O’Driscoll – companion piece to Presentation (notes) – O’Driscoll – Catholic Social Teaching in 15 minutes or less
Msgr. Jim Lang – Vicar for Parishes, Diocese of Syracuse – Parish Pastoral and Strategic Planning Presentation #3 – Lang
Synod Bulletin – December 2014
November 15, 2014 – The General Delegates were faced with a series of challenges to respond to in General Session #2. These challenges were prepared by the four study committees and focused on beginning to identify challenges within their area of competency. With the responses from the Delegates in hand, the Synod Commission and the Study Committees, along with Bishop Caggiano, will work between now and the February 7 session to synthesize the Challenges into a more manageable number.
Explanation of November 15 session – 2nd General Session of Synod article
Caveat: Please recognize that these comments are the feedback of individuals participating in the Synod process. They are meant to serve as suggestions and ideas – they may or may not accurately portray official Church teachings.
Promote Works of Charity and Justice – Challenge 1-7 Responses – Public
Empower the Young Church – Challenges 8-20 Responses – Public
Build Up Communities of Faith – Challenges 21-39 Responses – Public
Foster Evangelical Outreach – Challenges 40-60 Responses – Public
Fairfield County Catholic spreadsheet of Delegate Responses – FCC Chart
September 20, 2014 – The General Session #1 started with a general overview of demographics of Fairfield County.
Please download it here: Demographic Overview Fairfield County
The Study Committee presented data and demographic information to help the Delegates have an understanding of the diversity of our Diocese.
