“We recall that the purpose of the Synod, and therefore of this consultation, is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands”
-Pope Francis, October 2018
Find the Synod Prayer here.
Find the Synod described in the words of Pope Francis, first here.(in 2015).
and then specifically here, as he opened Synod 2023 (in October 2021).
Find the summary statements of the USCCB (national bishops’ conference) here:
- Synod Regional Syntheses (FYI, our Archdiocese is part of “Region III”)
- U.S. National Synthesis
- Synod Next Steps
- North American Final Document for the Continental Phase
- American Bishops Reflect on the Meaning of Synod 2023
- Universal Phase: Working Document for the first session (October 2023)
- Methodology for Working Groups
Synod 2023 poses this “big question” to the whole church, and to individual members of the church:
A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” How is this “journeying together” happening today in our parish? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?
Read the documents that have been prepared for Synod 2023 here: Click on the links below to download the documents.
The Preparatory Document: an introduction to themes and processes
Vademecum: a handbook for the synod
Suggestions for Reflecting: ways to engage and respond to the “big question” of the Synod
For more on Synod 2021-2023, visit Synod Official Website.