From May 30th to June 1st, the Diocese of Central Newfoundland held its 49th and 50th synods at St. Martin’s Cathedral in Gander. The 49th synod began with registration at the James Reid Center, and following that was the opening Eucharist at St. Martin’s Cathedral. On June 1st, the 50th diocesan synod held registration following the Sunday morning Eucharist at the cathedral, with the focus on the second reading of the constitution.
The main purpose of both Synods was to review the diocesan constitution, which had not been updated since 1998. Early in Bishop Watton’s tenure, the constitution was placed in abeyance for review and revision to update its language. Bishop Watton stated that this was the reason for holding both Synods back-to-back: an update to a constitution requires reading and approval from two synods before it can be implemented in the diocese.
For the 49th diocesan synod, Bishop Rose was present and brought greetings from the Diocese of Eastern NL, and presided at the opening Eucharist using the Eucharist Prayer from Jerusalem. Bishop Organ was unable to attend due to another commitment, but did send his regrets which Bishop Watton shared with those present.
Bishop Watton began his Charge by asking all present to “be aware of all the love that Christ has planted in our hearts, and that he is here with us, right now.” And he shared a reading from Proverbs 4:20-21: “Pay attention to my words; turn your ear to my sayings. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart.” Bishop Watton stated that “This message is only able to be offered in this way because of all of the gathering, teaching, sharing, struggling, and working together we have done over the past nine years.”
Then Bishop Watton went on to say the role of this synod is:
•To build community by being attentive to and passionate about scripture and the revealed laws of love Jesus has given us.
•To take counsel, pray, and become one in being bravely and sacrificially sustainable because of our devotion to the Mission of our Lord.
•To call the leaders to stand for the Gospel
•To rebuild our very own guidelines for the community of faith: our constitution. When the people of God poured out the longing of their hearts to the leaders of the Church, the leaders were able to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. That is what we are doing here. Our constitution, will give us the common foundation we need to establish unity and purpose for our diocese.
The Bishop stated “From this synod, we will be able to build his city on the hill and shine for the world to see. Let us recommit in this synod, and beyond to let our light so shine before others, so they may see our devotion to Jesus, and with us, glorify our Father who is in heaven.”
The diocesan chancellor presented the constitution at both the 49th and 50th synods. Synod delegates moved and second all 22 chapters on the first reading and the second reading, with Bishop Watton concurring after each motion.
The Diocese of Central Newfoundland, in its 50th Synod now, has this new constitution to help the diocese to move forward into the future. To reiterate from Bishop Watton’s Charge, the diocese is now able “to rebuild our very own guidelines for the community of faith.”
