In the Catholic Peace Weekly, the seminary professor in his column, The Preciousness of Faith, has some thoughts on our efforts to make Synodality a part of Catholic Life  

After the 16th World Bishops' Synod process, which took place over three years, has concluded, we have now entered its 'implementation phase.' However, within the Church itself, it is challenging to find renewal movements aimed at synodality. This is likely due to complacency, the belief that current approaches are sufficient, and a convenience-driven avoidance of the discomfort associated with change. Yet, if the universal Church has discovered the hope of the Church in synodality under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is now time to actively respond to providing direction in that regard.

If one were to sum up synodality in a single phrase, it would be 'a dynamic Church that collaborates, evangelizes, and grows together in communion.' The core of synodality lies in communal discernment. 'Dialogue in the Spirit' is a method that can be applied not only in synodal meetings but also in small community or organizational gatherings. It is a moment to heed the guidance of the Spirit revealed through the words and experiences of others, with the crucial task being the formation of 'consensus' among the members. Synodality encompasses the entire process of gathering to pray, listen, dialogue, form agreements, make decisions, and take responsibility.

Synodality is undoubtedly not an easy practice, because it requires taking the longer, more difficult path. It demands gathering together to pray, dialogue, listen attentively, exercise careful consideration, and lay aside one’s own thoughts to hear God’s will through others. The greatest challenge of synodality will likely be for bishops and priests since it requires listening, coordinating, and setting aside the desire to act according to their own will.

Synodality is not merely a decision-making method; it is a shared emotion, culture, spirituality, and practice. So, what does a synodal Church that embodies synodality look like in practice?
 

He recalls Father Louis-Marie Chauvet, who was his master’s thesis advisor during studies in France and served as the parish pastor. As an expert in liturgy and the sacraments, he visited his parish with the expectation that the Mass he celebrated would be somehow different.

Contrary to his expectations, the emotional impact of the Mass was not in the 'event' itself but in the 'quality' of the celebration, namely, the lively atmosphere of the parish community. It was a community where every member of the congregation made eye contact, exchanged smiles and greetings, and welcomed one another; where everyone focused attentively on the ceremony and participated; and where liturgical ministers collaborated with the priest to ensure that the holy Mass was celebrated beautifully, encouraging and taking care of each other—truly a liturgy where everyone cooperated and participated as one. 

This 'synodal liturgy,' beautifully carried out by the entire people of God, was not a manufactured event but a reflection of the parish community's everyday life. The priest always attends various gatherings with groups of parishioners. He conducts multiple preparatory meetings for the liturgy and especially encourages parishioners to collaboratively create the parish bulletin so that they can spread God's word and parish news to neighbors, fostering a more missionary-oriented community. The priest’s life of collaboration—constantly considering parish affairs with the faithful, making decisions together, and sharing responsibility—was evident through the liturgy. A synodal church is certainly a challenge, but it is also a wonderful opportunity for the hopeful future of the Church. 

The columnist hopes the Korean Church will be reborn as a church that lives out the synodal spirit envisioned by Pope Francis.