# CCCB Press Release — Instrumentum Laboris for Second Session of the Synod on Synodality

- Link: https://nweparchy.ca/2024/08/cccb-press-release-instrumentum-laboris-for-second-session-of-the-synod-on-synodality/
- Published: 2024-08-01T00:55:40-07:00
- Author: Website

_Thursday, July 25 2024_

**OTTAWA, July 25, 2024** – On 9 July 2024, the General Secretariat of the Synod
of Bishops released the [_Instrumentum laboris_](https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/07/09/240709d.html)
for the upcoming second session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod
of Bishops to be held 2-27 October 2-27 2024 in Rome. This session will mark a significant
moment in the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, initiated in 2021, by discerning
how the Church can become more synodal and missionary.

The _Instrumentum laboris_ is designed as a working tool for the Assembly members.
Rather than providing definitive answers, it aims to foster prayer, dialogue, and
discernment, in view of refining and building  consensus on the ways to be a synodal
missionary Church. This document reflects the insights and contributions from local
churches worldwide, gathered through extensive consultations and during the first
session of the Assembly.

**Key Highlights of the _Instrumentum laboris_:**

 1. **Foundations of Synodality**: The document emphasizes the Church’s identity as
    the People of God and Sacrament of unity, rooted in the living tradition of the
    Church. It highlights the importance of synodality as a path of conversion and 
    reform, calling for a renewed understanding of ecclesial communion and a commitment
    to live synodality in all its dimensions.
 2. **Three Perspectives**:
 3.  * **Relations**: This section delves into the essential relationships within the
       Church – with God, among the faithful, and between Churches. It underscores 
       the vitality of these relationships, transcending mere structural considerations.
     * **Paths**: Focused on the practical pathways that nurture Christian relationships
       and support the Church’s mission, this section calls for formation plans that
       are contextually relevant and encourages transparent accountability in ecclesial
       responsibilities.
     * **Places**: This section examines the specific cultural and contextual realities
       where the Church’s synodal life is embodied. It promotes dynamic relationships
       and participation in the local Churches and broader ecclesial structures.
 4. **Ongoing Synodal Process**: The document situates the current phase within the
    broader synodal journey, ensuring continuity with previous stages, including the
    consultations of local churches, continental assemblies, and the first session 
    of the Assembly.

**Looking Ahead**

The second session of the Assembly will be a critical moment for the Church to reflect
on and respond to the evolving needs of being a synodal and missionary Church. It
will involve prayerful discernment and dialogue on how to implement the orientations
and proposals outlined in the _Instrumentum laboris_.

The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops invites all members of the People
of God to engage in this journey through prayer and sharing of reflections, contributing
to the task entrusted to the Assembly members.

For more information about the Synod, please visit: [Synods of Bishops – Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)](https://www.cccb.ca/the-catholic-church-in-canada/synods-of-bishops/)

The CCCB press release on the release of the _Instrumentum laboris_ for the Second
Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod.

In English: [Preparation Underway for Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cccb.ca)](https://www.cccb.ca/media-release/preparation-underway-for-second-session-of-the-xvi-ordinary-general-assembly-of-the-synod-of-bishops/)

In French: [Préparations en cours pour la deuxième session de la XVIe Assemblée générale ordinaire du Synode des évêques - Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (cecc.ca)](https://www.cecc.ca/communique-de-presse/preparations-en-cours-pour-la-deuxieme-session-de-la-xvie-assemblee-generale-ordinaire-du-synode-des-eveques/)

The CCCB press release is also attached to this email, in PDF format.

[press release - Instrumentum Laboris](https://abbotsford.nweparchy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/press-release-instrumentum-laboris.pdf)
[Download](https://abbotsford.nweparchy.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/press-release-instrumentum-laboris.pdf)