Global Synod

North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod

U.S. Bishops Release National Synthesis Outlining Common Themes Raised in Synod Listening Sessions

On September 19, 2022, the USCCB released the U.S. National Synthesis Report from the diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality. It can be found here in both English and Spanish. The USCCB also provided some talking points and graphics as resources for dioceses and parishes. Additionally, the Region VII Summary Report is also available.

By Rob Hartley, Director of Evangelization, Family Life and Pastoral Ministries
   After more than eight months, the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana concluded its contribution to the Synod 2021-2023, For a Synodal Church. What began during a Mass celebrated by Bishop Doherty at St. Maria Goretti pastorate in Westfield last October has culminated with the submission of our report to Region VII. These two milestones serve as the bookends of our participation in the global synod, but the bulk of our contribution is the result of the pastorates, clergy, pastorate staff and laity who organized, attended and contributed input to the listening sessions across our diocese. We are grateful to all who participated, taking the time to ensure the Church is in a better position to understand the needs of our world and extend the truth, grace and the love of God to the next generation. 

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Dear Sisters and Brothers,

The October 3rd edition of The Catholic Moment provided some details about the latest Synod of the Catholic Church. A synod is a gathering for meeting and listening in order to guide the Church’s next steps in its mission. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church discerns how to share Christ in each present age.

Pope Francis gave a speech on September 18th to the Diocese of Rome. In this lengthy address, the Holy Father recalls that the synodal model did not begin with the Second Vatican Council. Rather, we find the model in the Acts of the Apostles, and it has continued since.

We are beginning the first stage of this process in local dioceses. We listen inside the Church and outside to see where the Good News and the healing power of Christ may be leading us. And how the Holy Spirit is manifesting gracious gifts.

As the Pope said in his speech, a synod is not a parliamentary procedure where votes are taken. It is not to measure things by who is a majority and who is a minority. It will prayerfully account for where we find ourselves, highlight spiritual gifts to be shared, and make visible the challenges and wounds both within the Church, and within the hearts of all human communities.

Read more here.

In Spanish.

This month marks the beginning of a three-year synodal journey that Pope Francis has requested of all dioceses around the world. The process includes three phases of consultations and discernment—diocesan, continental and universal, and will conclude at the assembly of select bishops at the Vatican in October of 2023.

“The Synod was conceived by Pope Paul VI as a way to continue the collegial experience of the Second Vatican Council,” said an article published by Vatican News on May 21, 2021. “During the ceremonies commemorating the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis expressed his desire for a common path for ‘laity, pastors, the Bishop of Rome.’ Now, for the first time, a ‘decentralized’ Synod is being celebrated.”

The purpose of the Synod is to explore synodality—that is to encourage conversations and consultations that help the whole Church, clergy and laity, journey together better. While the dialogue is limited in scope, the goal is to hear from a variety of voices both within and outside of the Church.

The synodal journey will begin at the Vatican, in the presence of the Pope, on October 9 and 10, 2021 with a time for prayer, followed by the celebration of the Eucharist.

The local Churches will start on their path Sunday, October 17, under the presidency of the diocesan bishop. For the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, this opening Mass will take place at St. Maria Goretti in Westfield at 10 a.m. on the 17th.

Read more from the Oct. 3 edition of The Catholic Moment article here.