The art of Communication

The 'Parish Priests' Gathering for the Synod Church,' hosted by the Bishops' Conference, was held from April 28 to 30 with the theme of 'Relationship and Communication'. This was the third gathering following those held in September 2024 and June 2025, and was attended by 53 priests from 15 dioceses,  ordained between 1990 and 2025, one archbishop, and 3 bishops. 

On the last day of the three-day, two-night meeting, the priests seemed to have light steps as they gathered in the auditorium for 'total communal discernment' after finishing morning prayer and breakfast. Their faces were full of smiles as they followed along with the movements during the 'New Millennium Communication Exercise'.

Afterward, led by the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Korea, a time of reflection was held to review the past schedule. Amidst periods of silence and listening, and presentations lasting no more than two minutes, the priests freely and 'boldly' shared their thoughts without hesitation in a relaxed atmosphere. Divided into six groups, the discussions on 'relationships and communication' were incorporated into the draft of the 'Comprehensive Opinion Paper of the Parish Priests' Meeting for the Church of the Third Synod.' As the priests read the paper together, refining the wording and revising the content, they completed the fruit of communal discernment.

The statement contained reflections on pastoral care that prioritized results and efficiency over avoiding problems or fearing hurt when conflicts arose, as well as a commitment to living in a Synod Church that begins the restoration of all relationships with the Lord, communicates with companions to heal one another, and reveals the communion of the Triune God.

An archbishop  who attended all three meetings said, “I was able to broaden my perspective on priests and my understanding of them,” adding, “The topics and proceedings varied slightly at each meeting, and I am grateful to the Bishops’ Conference for developing the meetings by incorporating feedback every time.”

Secretary General of the Bishops Conference said, “In this meeting, we gave participants more time for conversation than in the first and second sessions, and I felt that deeper dialogue took place as a result.” Time was also allocated to refine the comprehensive opinion paper for the first time, reflecting the view that the dialogue should bear fruit. The Secretary added, “Even if priests who have experienced the Synod Church here return and practice the Synod method, immediate results will not appear,” adding that “Synod is a process that takes time.” He continued, “I believe that being reborn as priests who have internalized the ‘Synod style’ is the fruit of this program in itself,” and noted, “Priests changing their own methods of communication can also be a form of true practice.” Hoping that the meetings will continue even after the 2028 Synod transition period ends,  “This gathering is closer to a priestly formation program than an educational session to introduce the Synod.”