Synodal Process

If you would like to participate in the Synod, but prefer not to do so in a small group sharing/listening session, please fill out this form no later than April 24. 

What is a synod?
The word “synod” means “walking together on the way.” It is when the Church (clergy and laity) come together to discuss a particular area affecting the Church and the world.

What is the purpose of this “Synod on Synodality”?
Pope Francis is calling us to live out the fullness of what it means to walk together (to be a Synodal Church) where all members of her body, not just the ordained leadership, get an opportunity to express how they believe the Spirit is moving in their community. This synod is a mass consultative effort to discern together.

What is the question to answer?
This Synod poses the following two-part fundamental question: A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.”

1. How is this “journeying together” happening today in your local Church?
2. What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?

• Recall our experiences: What experiences of our local Church does this question call to mind?
• Re-read these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they bring? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What insights have they elicited?
• Gather the fruits to share: Where in these experiences does the voice of the Holy Spirit resound? What is the Spirit asking of us? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? What paths are opening up for our local Church?

Ready to provide input?

First, begin with prayer:
I stand before You, Holy Spirit, aware of your presence in the Church. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

Now, fill out the form bellow and share your experience in as concise manner as possible, 1-3 paragraphs per question, in the provided space below: