On September 30, 2001, Cardinal Roger Mahony proclaimed an Archdiocesan Synod. The goal of the synod is to set pastoral priorities for the Archdiocese that will be put into legislation. Members of all parishes in the archdiocese were invited to give their input at Speak Up Sessions held in early 2002, and regional assemblies of delegates (laity, clergy and religious) to begin the process of setting priorities were held in the fall. Responding to this input, two Archdiocesan Synod sessions took place in May and June of 2003 to discuss and vote on the final synod document, which is to be promulgated by Cardinal Mahony on September 6, 2003.

For more information on the Los Angeles Synod, see the Frequent Questions link at the Archdiocesan web site. Much useful and current information on the Synod of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, which began over a year ago and is currently in session, is available in both English and Spanish at the Synod web site.

PERSPECTIVES OF THE LAITY

A number of Santa Barbara area laity who are currently active members of VOTFSBA are also delegates to the Synod. They have offered to share their reflections on this process with us. Their reflections are linked below to their respective names.

First Session (May 16-17, 2003)

Impressions of VOTFSBA members Peter Kruse, Gretchen Lovingood, and Kenneth Lovingood.

Second Session (June 27-28, 2003)

Impressions of VOTFSBA member Peter Kruse.

SYNOD ARTICLES FROM THE TIDINGS

• "Enlighten Our Hearts"
• "Introduction to the Synod"
• "Initiatives, Priorities and Strategies"