Implementation of synod decisions 'involves hundreds of people'

Hundreds of people were involved in the process to implement the decisions taken at the diocesan synod which ended last year.

The Maltese Church's pastoral secretary, Fr Charles Cordina, said the synod included a number of guidelines for the Church in Malta, especially revolving around today's changing society.

He stressed the importance of knowing today's situation and acting accordingly, adding that there were a number of tendencies which could go against the Church's teachings.

Addressing a news conference yesterday, Fr Cordina explained that the Archbishop approved the documents presented by the diocesan synod a year ago and the first phase of implementation took place during last year. He outlined the Church's plans to implement the documents that were published followed the synod, which took place between 1999 and 2003.

Fr Cordina said the programme revolved around three main principles: passing on the synod's message, actioning the synod's proposals and creating a harmonious plan to continue with the synod's implementation.

A number of commissions, including one for justice and peace, a commission for the family and one on the environment, had already been set up during the past year.

However, all this was not plain sailing and some difficulties were encountered along the way. Fr Cordina said these included the resistance that is usually faced when there is need for a change of attitudes and mentality and the lack of human resources.

The Church also commissioned an independent company to carry out an external audit and assess the diocesan pastoral structures.

One of the synod's decisions that has already been implemented will lead to children receiving Confirmation at the age of 11 or 12. At the moment children receive their Confirmation aged 10.

Fr Cordina said it was felt that this was too young an age, adding that in a number of other countries the sacrament of Confirmation was received during adolescence. However, he said, the Curia here decided to take it step by step and raise the age by a couple of years.

This means children will have to attend catechism classes for one year before their First Holy Communion and five years before Confirmation. At the moment children are confirmed three years after receiving their First Holy Communion.