by ROWENA OREJANA
New Zealand Catholics are being asked to contribute their thoughts and ideas in a survey, as the Synod on Marriage and Family enters a “new phase”.
Palmerston North Bishop Charles Drennan will represent New Zealanders in the synod in Rome later this year.
The Holy See sent a further questionnaire to all Catholic bishops conferences.
This questionnaire is available online and as a Word document. People are being invited to respond by March 9.
In a statement, the bishops called on the faithful to reflect on the questions individually or collectively.
“Pope Francis wants us to focus on practical pastoral approaches which uphold and strengthen the beauty of married life and also accompany and guide those whose relationships are not
unfolding within the bond of marriage.
To this end a further questionnaire has been sent to all Catholic communities across the globe,” the statement said.
The bishops said they are aware that a lot of people consider themselves Catholic but do not go to Church regularly.
“Please encourage these family members and friends to participate. Also of particular interest to us are those who see themselves as beyond the Church: perhaps some divorced and remarried, or gay women and men. We urge you to share your experiences through the questionnaire. No one walks beyond the reach of the Good Shepherd.”
The bishops said people need not answer all the questions in the survey.
“Whatever you choose to share, your voice, as well as those of groups such as our priests, RE teachers, and marriage preparation teams etc, will be heard. In this way we will deepen our knowledge of who we are as the People of God in Aotearoa and our submission will be a truly collective response to the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work within each of us and the Church in this land,” the statement said.
The questionnaire can be found online at www.catholic.org.nz To respond using a Word document, visit the website to find an electronic copy that can be completed and returned
by email to Simone Olsen, communications adviser, communications@ nzcbc.org.nz
For a printed copy of the questionnaire, phone Simone Olsen (04) 496 1725 or email communications@nzcbc. org.nz
Kia ora
The current questionaire is unintelligible.
What other options are available?
Absolutely right, Tony, I can’t recall having previously seen a more confused and confusing document.
Apart from that, however, I want to know what is to stop anti-Catholic activists, e.g., feminists, homosexualists, from submitting their comments in the guise of practising and committed Catholics.
Well education is probably the most important thing needed. Make sure people know what the Church, that Our Lord Jesus Christ founded, has taught over the centuries about the purpose and ends of Marriage, the sacredness of Holy Communion, the seriousness of sins against chastity, why God has put these laws in place regarding Homosexuality, why sins against Chastity and Marriage are not just an offense against God, but are also harmful to us, social order and the bringing up of children and the consequences of serious sins against God ie Hell for eternity if we die in that state without confession and desiring to amend our life, and the eternal reward God gives us if we obey laws etc. And when people are taught these things and why, then we are all on the same page and discussion can begin. Of course though all these things should be taught gently to those who have not been taught their Faith properly, which goes for many, including myself. But people need to know the Truth. The Truth will set you free!!