Fourth Synod Compiled Acts, Declarations and Statutes

4. To be a disciple means to accept Jesus Christ as one’s Lord and Savior. 11 Disciples are those who “make a conscious, firm decision, carried out in action, to be followers of Jesus Christ no matter the cost to themselves.” 12 Catholic discipleship refers to a committed approach to living a Christian life within the Catholic Church. 5. The statutes of this Synod constitute the fundamental particular laws for the governance of the clergy, religious and laity of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois. They presuppose the prescriptions of the canon law, of the Roman Pontiff and the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia, of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, of the Bishops of the Province of Chicago, and of the Plenary Councils of Baltimore. 7. These statutes are authentically interpreted solely by the Diocesan Bishop or by the one to whom he has granted the power to interpret them authentically. 13 The local Ordinary can dispense from them and grant permissions required by them whenever he judges that such dispensations and permissions will contribute to the good of the faithful. 14 All requests for dispensations and permissions must be submitted in writing or, if done orally, must be subsequently documented in writing. 6. These statutes abrogate all previous synodal and extra-synodal legislations. 9. Diocesan policies further specify and delineate in greater detail the fundamental particular laws of these statutes and require all diocesan, parish and Catholic school personnel to act in a prescribed manner in handling specified situations. Diocesan procedures are uniform methods or standards of implementing diocesan policies. 10. Consistent with canon law and as constituted and regulated in accord with diocesan policies and procedures, the preeminent canonical and consultative bodies of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois are the College of Consultors, the 8. The pastor shall offer the laity formation in the ecclesiastical laws which pertain to them.

11 Cf. John 3:16; Acts 2:38, 4:12; Romans 10:9, 13).

12 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response , 1992.

13 Cf. canon 16, §1.

14 Cf. canon 88).

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