South Korea's Daejeon Diocese prepares for 2017 synod

Jul 18, 2016

DAEJEON: South Korea's Daejeon Diocese has set up and launched a preparatory committee for its synod to be held in 2017.

Auxiliary Bishop Augustine Kim Jong-soo attended the committee launch ceremony along with more than 120 of its members at Solmoe Shrine, the birthplace of Korea's first priest St. Father Andrew Kim Tae-gon.

The launch was held on the saint's feast day, July 5.

"I want lay people, clergies and religious to put their heads together at the synod which is for the reformation and change of the diocese community," said Bishop Kim at the launch ceremony. "If we understand each other and communicate, God himself will provide the rest," said the bishop who is also the committee president.

Under the committee are nine subcommittees, which include central clergies, lay people, parish ministry, and evangelization as well as an administrative support department, advisory committee plus a public relations department.

The diocese has established a synod parish committee in every parish so that it can mediate between the diocese and the parishes during the synod.

Additionally, the synod secretariate of the diocese have distributed educational materials to its parishes so the diocese's Catholics could learn more about the synod and how to participate in it.

The diocese announced on Dec. 8 last year that it would convene the synod and has proceeded with basic preparations since then. The synod will begin in the second half of 2017.--ucanews.com