Synod on Synodality
Communion, Participation, and Mission
The Synod on Synodality is a two-year process of listening and dialogue beginning with a solemn opening in Rome on October 9 and 10, 2021, with each individual diocese and church celebrating the following week on October 17. The synodal process will conclude in 2023.
Pope Francis invites the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for its life and mission: “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” This journey, which follows in the wake of the Church’s “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council, is both a gift and a task: by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission.
What is the Synod?
Bishop Scharfenberger, Diocese of Albany |
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Diocese of Albany Synod Listening Sessions Promo
The Diocese of Albany is excited to announce the beginning phase in the worldwide “Synod on Synodality” initiated by Pope Francis. The diocese will coordinate regional listening sessions for its 126 parishes, at which everyone is encouraged to share their opinions on what they are looking for from today’s Church. The listening sessions will be hosted at a central location within each of the seven vicariates across the diocese. Bishop Scharfenberger will be in attendance, lead the opening prayer, and spend time listening to the faithful. The sessions will be guided by a facilitator utilizing universal questions and provide the opportunity for small group breakout sessions.
Click here for the dates of our Vicariate listening sessions. For more information, visit rcda.org/synod |
Synod on Synodality Explainer Video
Archdiocese of Toronto
Cardinal Thomas Collins explains the ambitious two-year global process of listening to the faithful of Catholic Church and why our participation is incredibly important for the success of the Synod on Synodality.
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Have questions regarding the Synod on Synodality? Rahai attempts to answer these questions through simple sketches presented to you in a short and fun way. Here's all you need to know- right from what does synodality mean to what can you do.
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Synodality is the revival of the oldest tradition of church governance, and therefore the pope’s revival of it is itself altogether traditional.
The most dramatic modification today of synodality is the breathtaking inclusiveness of what Pope Francis proposes.
In the past, participants in synods have been restricted to small numbers, no matter how varied the participants’ state in life. Today, Pope Francis wants all members of the church to express their faith and their hopes and desires for the church. The preparatory documents for the churchwide synod provide for the inclusion of non-Catholics and non-Christians. There has never been an exercise of collegiality with such an unqualifiedly inclusive invitation.
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What is a Synod and Why Should I Care?
“Despite the odd-sounding words, the vision is very simple: it’s about experiencing our faith as a journey together, accompanied by Jesus and the Apostles,” writes Bishop Scharfenberger in his Evangelist column. Essentially, the Synod, as Pope Francis has outlined it, will be about mutual listening and dialoging. It will be about reflecting and journeying together. This local synod process is simply going to be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, your hopes and your needs as a Catholic. We want to hear from you. We want to know what you need from the Church – both local and universal – to help you on your journey of faith. Together we will take the next steps toward greater unity, greater collaboration, greater faith!
In preparation for our diocesan consultations, the Diocese of Albany offered three webinars via Zoom. Recordings of each are below.
The Diocesan Synod Committee is planning the details of the Synod Listening Sessions. Listening Sessions will be held for each of the 7 Vicariates (dates will be released shortly) over the next several months. Bishop Scharfenberger will attend the Vicariate Listening Sessions.
Additional listening sessions will be held for parish networks, parishes and numerous specific groups. Everyone is welcome to participate in the group(s) of their choice. Listening session dates will be communicated through e-mail, social media, parish bulletins, newsletters, the Evangelist, word of mouth and any other means identified to reach anyone and everyone who may want to participate. Click here for the dates of our Vicariate Listening Sessions. The most up to date information related to the Synod process is available at www.rcda.org/synod |
What is the Synod and Why Should I Care?
Part 1: A True Season of the Spirit |
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What is the Synod and Why Should I Care?
Part 2: Walking & Listening Together |
What is the Synod and Why Should I Care? Part 3: All the Baptized – Co-responsible for Mission
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Pray for the Synod
Come Holy Spirit!
Come Holy Spirit! May the synodal process lead us to become like the first assembly of the Church where the disciples persevered steadfastly in prayer with Mary, recalling the memories of Jesus, his words, deeds and promises. We ask the Spirit of love to lead us to that common vision which will unite us as a community of faith in one mind and one heart. Congregation of Our Lady of the Cenacle Casa Generalizia |
O Spirit, blow where you will!
O Holy Spirit Come, bless this Synod Come, open the hearts of all participants to God’s will At this moment in time for the Catholic Church And for all members of the Body of Christ. Let us follow You where God wills for us to travel Let the Catholic Church “Receive … in the Lord” the messengers of God’s will for us at this time As the community in Rome received St. Phoebe witnessing to St. Paul’s Letter to the Roman’s. St. Phoebe, be with us Let our ears be attentive, let our hearts be open Let our hearts also be courageous to proclaim God’s Truth as you did when you witnessed To the community in Rome. O Spirit, blow where you will! Rose Byrne - North Garden, Virginia - USA |