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What is a Lay
Convocation?
A Lay
Convocation is a "calling together" that has its
roots in the laity, in contrast to a convocation
conceived and called by Church hierarchy. The
Southern California Lay Convocation (SCLC) has
its roots in the Lay Synod Movement, which
started in 1995 in Illinois.
This
convocation is planned and organized by the
laity, led by the laity however it is open to
all including clergy, pastoral staff and
employees of the church. The convocation on
March 29 will begin with prayer, guidance on
holy listening and sacred conversation and offer
a presentation on the obligations and rights of
the laity found in Canon Law and Vatican II
documents.
What is a Synod?
A synod is a
"council convened to discuss ecclesiastical
business." The SCLC is, in its intention, a
synod, but Canon Law defines a synod as a
council called by a bishop. Given that this
gathering is NOT called by a bishop, the
steering committee has chosen the term
"Convocation." In an ecclesial synod, the
bishop sets the agenda. Laity and clergy who
attended the
Northern California Lay Convocation in 2007
set the agenda for this 2008 Southern California
Lay Convocation.
What is the Lay Synod
Movement?
The Lay
Synod Movement was begun in 1995 in Illinois
when a group of active Catholics gathered to
discuss ecclesiastical business in their
diocese. The group, the
Fellowship of Southern Illinois (FOSIL)
developed the Lay Synod model and for the
paradigm they conceived has produced six highly
successful Lay Synod meetings that have guided
ongoing dialog with the bishops of the area.
How can I participate?
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Plan to attend
– register early.
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Check a box on
the registration form to volunteer some time
to this day.
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Spread the
word and invite family and friends, active
and in-active Catholics to attend.
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Post a
bulletin announcement in your parish
bulletin.
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Carpool.
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Pray for our
Church.
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