The experience of the 'parish' is built on two major pillars – thus says the Reference Framework. In the first place, the conviction that every young person carries in his heart the desire for God, the desire for a full life, in the unifying perspective of faith; secondly, a series of proposals adapted to the recipients, whose purpose is the discovery and achievement of their vocation.
The term synodality, "for many people is a fashionable term, but it seems unknown," explained Mercedes Baxzos, from the ARS Social Communication team.
Synodality means "walking together": it is a new way of thinking about pastoral care where everyone can be involved and renewed in a new horizon of work and journey; but above all, synodality emphasizes the importance of going together: young people with adults, children and the elderly, young people with other young people. To understand synodality the exercise of listening is proposed: but a listening without interruptions, opening one's heart to what springs from the other.
They were two days of listening: among the members of the same parish, between different communities, to the young people who participated. And the listening areas were different: from the plenary hall, the breakfast table, as companions in the park, to the top of the "Mogote", a nearby hill.
To walk together it is necessary to listen to everyone and begin to transform oneself.
A special moment was on Sunday morning when each community was able to share a "good practice", that is, what they are already doing today to bring the parish community closer, especially young people, to Christ and the Gospel. This phase allowed participants to recognize and acknowledge the work of the different communities, to be hopeful and also for some healthy self-criticism, when necessary. Walking together also means correcting and congratulating oneself.
Finally, one question remained among the participants: "What synodal paths of dialogue can we propose to our parish community?" Undoubtedly there is still much to do and this gathering also served to revitalize the participants and allow them a meeting: with themselves, with others and with the Good Shepherd.
