Synod (noun): making a way together, walking a path together
syn + hodos = ‘with’ + ‘path’
In the coming weeks we may be hearing or reading reports, both in religious and secular media, about the outcomes of the recent Synod in Rome.
Just to provide some context, the Synod on Synodality was a three-year process of listening and dialogue initiated by Pope Francis in 2021. The Synod was designed to include a period of time for listening and consultation within dioceses and parishes followed by two separate sessions in Rome (October 2023 and October 2024). The Rome sessions included over 400 participants, lay and religious, representing the global Church.
The following articles provide helpful perspectives on the work of the Synod in 2024.
“Instrumentum laboris” for the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 2024)
"As Synod Nears End, Preacher Urges Members To Be At Peace With Results"
Synodality and ‘Relationship Conversion'"
"Five Things To Watch For In The Upcoming October Synod"
"Pope Opens Major Vatican Summit Pleading For A Church Where 'Each Person Feels Welcomed'"
Just to provide some context, the Synod on Synodality was a three-year process of listening and dialogue initiated by Pope Francis in 2021. The Synod was designed to include a period of time for listening and consultation within dioceses and parishes followed by two separate sessions in Rome (October 2023 and October 2024). The Rome sessions included over 400 participants, lay and religious, representing the global Church.
The following articles provide helpful perspectives on the work of the Synod in 2024.
“Instrumentum laboris” for the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (October 2024)
"As Synod Nears End, Preacher Urges Members To Be At Peace With Results"
Synodality and ‘Relationship Conversion'"
"Five Things To Watch For In The Upcoming October Synod"
"Pope Opens Major Vatican Summit Pleading For A Church Where 'Each Person Feels Welcomed'"
Synod Prayer
Mighty and loving God, send your Holy Spirit among us,
who gather in the name of your Son.
As we make our way together as church,
speak tenderly to our hearts so that we may listen tenderly to each other.
As we make our way together as loved sinners,
remind us to love one another as you loved us first.
As we make our way together in the Good Shepherd’s flock,
fix our attention on Jesus Christ wherever he may lead.
And as we make our way together in the power of the Spirit,
let that same Spirit guide the Synod that seeks your wisdom.
Renew and transform your church,
that we may reveal your kingdom and give you glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
who gather in the name of your Son.
As we make our way together as church,
speak tenderly to our hearts so that we may listen tenderly to each other.
As we make our way together as loved sinners,
remind us to love one another as you loved us first.
As we make our way together in the Good Shepherd’s flock,
fix our attention on Jesus Christ wherever he may lead.
And as we make our way together in the power of the Spirit,
let that same Spirit guide the Synod that seeks your wisdom.
Renew and transform your church,
that we may reveal your kingdom and give you glory.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
What is the Synod?
In its technical sense a synod is a gathering of church leaders to discuss matters of faith or church practice. The word literally means “journeying together” (from the Greek word synodía), to indicate that this process should always be done in the company of others and never alone.
What is that is the purpose?
The objective of this synodal process is not merely to offer a brief or singular encounter of unity, but rather to present a chance for the entire People of God to collectively determine the way forward in the journey toward becoming a more synodal Church over the long haul.
"We recall that the purpose of the Synod 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."
What is being discussed?
The Instrumentum Laboris document guiding the discussions at the October synod assembly suggests discussions on questions regarding topics such as women deacons and LGBTQ outreach.
In its technical sense a synod is a gathering of church leaders to discuss matters of faith or church practice. The word literally means “journeying together” (from the Greek word synodía), to indicate that this process should always be done in the company of others and never alone.
What is that is the purpose?
The objective of this synodal process is not merely to offer a brief or singular encounter of unity, but rather to present a chance for the entire People of God to collectively determine the way forward in the journey toward becoming a more synodal Church over the long haul.
"We recall that the purpose of the Synod 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."
What is being discussed?
The Instrumentum Laboris document guiding the discussions at the October synod assembly suggests discussions on questions regarding topics such as women deacons and LGBTQ outreach.
What does it mean to be a local church to be the Old St. Patrick's community - today? What are the particularities of our place and time that shape out life together and our mission? Share your thoughts and prayers with us here.
Resources:
- Address of His Holiness Pope Francis to the Delegation for the Presentation of the "E Giornalismo" Prize
- ‘Synodality’: A new word for an ancient reality
- Synod on Synodality: Your questions answered
- Pope Francis: Synod calls us to become experts in the art of encounter
- North American Final Document for the Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod
- Articles on Synodality by the America: the Jesuit Review
- Podcast: The Case Against Voting at the Synod on Synodality