What is a Synod?

A synod is the coming together of people to listen to one another as they discuss significant issues. Popes regularly convene representatives of the world’s bishops to synods. Our current Holy Father, Pope Francis, has asked for the input of all the baptized faithful of the Church prior to the next Synod of Bishops in 2023. The three-fold themes of this process derive directly from the Second Vatican Council’s “Dogmatic Constitution on the Church.” They are  participation, communion, and mission. Two “listening sessions” are scheduled for our parish – one on December 11 and another on January 29. Our focus will be a reflection on how the Holy Spirit has guided us and how the Holy Spirit might be challenging us to grow. Members of the staff and advisory bodies of the parish have been invited to the first session. If anyone in the parish wishes to attend either gathering, please send a message to our Parish Secretary, Julia Gilbert:  [email protected]