HONG KONG (SE): Bishop Joseph Ha Chi-shing, who chaired the Diocesan Consultation Committee prior to the first session for the 16th Synod of Bishops, pointed out that the three synodal priorities in the report submitted to the Vatican on May 5 were closely interlinked [see page 1].
The auxiliary bishop of Hong Kong, speaking to the Kung Kao Po on May 13, quoted the participants of the task force as saying that women and the parish councils are two important groups of people who can help to promote synodality of the community, as women have always been actively involved in the services of the parishes, and the pastoral councils influence the overall ecology and formation of the parishes.
He said the setting up of the Ministry of Catechist in Hong Kong may also be an opportunity for women to become more involved in the affairs of the Church. He believes that, while most of the voluntary catechists in local parishes are women, some of them should be willing to take an additional step and become catechists, to participate further in Church decision-making.
“Catechists can be involved in specific areas of parish formation, such as baptismal classes, Sunday schools, formation seminars, etc. The priest can then invite catechists to join the pastoral team and share pastoral responsibilities.” He said that catechists would be even more able to further cooperate with the parish priest in pastoral work than the chairperson of the parish council.
The bishop said that the Diocese of Hong Kong has already strengthened the role of women in decision-making. For example, the Commission for Ongoing Formation of the Clergy has two women members, a change from the usual practice of having only men as members.
Bishop Ha, who is also rector of the Holy Spirit Seminary, said that the seminary is actively looking into ways to involve women in the seminary’s formation teams, but that the key to change is not so much the ratio of men to women, but rather the complementary roles of men and women from different perspectives.
While the universal Church awaits the working document of the Synod of Bishops in October, Bishop Ha said he believes that instead of just waiting, the People of God can take the initiative to promote synodality.
“Small groups and parishes can first gain a deeper understanding of the above three priorities and look into them, and the pious associations can try to put into practice the spirit of synodality, and in particular, to listen to the voices of the small minorities,” he said.
