Sunday, October 17, 2021 marked the humble beginning of the Diocesan phase of the Synod which will lead to a larger gathering of the world’s Bishops in Rome in October 2023. The theme: “The Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission,” will guide the faithful of the Diocese of Belize and Belmopan in their prayer, listening, discernment and encounter with God and one another. To commemorate this special day, a masterpiece created by Belizean artist, Alex Sanker, was revealed at the opening Mass in Belize City.
This image depicts the Synodal Church past and present in Belize, on the journey of truth and charity together. The “We Journey Together” painting will be located at Holy Redeemer Cathedral for the faithful to view and printed copies will be throughout the country. A special song in- spired by the Synod prayer, was composed by Jackie Castillo and sung along with Sr. Mary Rachel, SOLT, to encourage all of us on this journey. 
As we continue the Synod process, a series of gatherings at Holy Mass will be held in November to show the closeness and support of the Catholic Church. On November 21, the Solemnity of Christ the King, immigrants and refugees will gather at Valley of Peace in the Cayo District. Musicians and artists will gather at Holy Redeemer Cathedral on November 22 on the feast day of Saint Cecilia, the patron of musicians. The Synod Masses are re- minders that Jesus desires to inspire every group and individual in daily life. He is the inspiration and strength of every Christian as they seek to leaven the temporal order with the principles and spirit of the Gospel of hope.
The Synod consultation meetings will also be- gin in November. Over 140 coordinators of Catholic Schools and Parishes across the nation will facilitate these meetings with small group gatherings on one of twelve provided themes (see page 6). Another estimated 100 lay ministers will be instructed and share in the process in their respective areas. 
These formal or informal gatherings are opportunities to listen and discern what the Holy Spirit desires to say to the Church. Everyone is invited to participate in this phase of the Synod process as we seek the sensus fidei (sense of the faith on the part of the faithful in union with the hierarchy of the Church) among the baptized in grace. And the synod process also allows room to listen to those who may not identify as a practicing member of the Church.
These consultation meetings are not negotiations as if Church teachings are mere opinions. They are not like Parliament where the majority opinion rules. It is not a time to advocate for an agenda in- consistent with Sacred Scripture and the living Tradition of the Church. The moment the Synodal meetings break from communion with what the Holy Spirit has revealed in the Sacred Tradition of the Church, it ceases to be Synodal which is meant to foster continuity and growth. Rather, it falls into a logic of rupture and leads to division. With proper discernment, these consultation meetings will have critiques and inspirations, sincere dialogue and consolations. This will contribute to a deepening of communion, a more authentic participation and a greater commitment to the mission of all the baptized. Be sure to find the coordinator in your school or parish to see how you can participate in this spiritual journey. Come Holy Spirit!