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The Synod on Synodality is a three-year process of listening and dialogue beginning with a solemn opening in Rome on October 9 and 10, 2021 and the synodal process concludes in 2024.
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 Synodality?
Synodality denotes the particular style that qualifies the life and mission of the Church, expressing her nature as the People of God journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by the Lord Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel. Synodality ought to be expressed in the Church’s ordinary way of living and working.
Synodality, in this perspective, is much more than the celebration of ecclesial meetings and Bishops’ assemblies, or a matter of simple internal administration within the Church; it is the specific modus vivendi et operandi of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission.
What is the aim of this Synod?
This Synod is intended as a Synodal Process. The aim of this synodal process is not to provide a temporary or one-time experience of synodality, but rather to provide an opportunity for the entire People of God to discern together how to move forward on the path towards being a more synodal Church in the long-term.
A basic question prompts and guides us: How does this journeying together allow the Church to proclaim the Gospel in accordance with the mission entrusted to Her; and what steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow as a synodal Church?
"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."
Who is the Synod for?
By convoking this Synod, Pope Francis is inviting all the baptised to participate in this Synodal Process that begins at the diocesan level.
The main subjects of this synodal experience are all the baptised because all the baptised are the subject of the sensus fidelium, the living voice of the People of God. At the same time, in order to participate fully in the act of discerning, it is important for the baptised to hear the voices of other people in their local context, including people who have left the practice of the faith, people of other faith traditions, people of no religious belief.
Special care should be taken to involve those persons who may risk being excluded: women, the people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, the elderly, people who live in poverty, Catholics who rarely or never practice their faith, etc.
How can I participate in the Synod?
Everybody can actively participate in the synodal journeying with his/her prayer. The Synodal Process is first and foremost a spiritual process. It is not a mechanical data-gathering exercise or a series of meetings and debates. To help people in praying and sharing their prayers, the www.prayforthesynod.va website has been implemented.
To be truly ecclesial and effective, the synodal path of listening and discernment should always seek to be communitarian and touch on the life of the community in a defined historical and geographical context according to the logic of an 'incarnated' faith: thus, we strongly advise against sending one's reflections and/or contributions directly and exclusively to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. All faithful must contact the Contact Person/Team of his/her diocese. People who live in dioceses that don't yet have synod plans shall address their requests, reflections or reports to the synodal team of the Episcopal Conference of reference.
Who is the Synod for?
By convoking this Synod, Pope Francis is inviting all the baptised to participate in this Synodal Process that begins at the diocesan level.
The main subjects of this synodal experience are all the baptised because all the baptised are the subject of the sensus fidelium, the living voice of the People of God. At the same time, in order to participate fully in the act of discerning, it is important for the baptised to hear the voices of other people in their local context, including people who have left the practice of the faith, people of other faith traditions, people of no religious belief.
Special care should be taken to involve those persons who may risk being excluded: women, the people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, the elderly, people who live in poverty, Catholics who rarely or never practice their faith, etc.
How can I participate in the Synod?
Everybody can actively participate in the synodal journeying with his/her prayer. The Synodal Process is first and foremost a spiritual process. It is not a mechanical data-gathering exercise or a series of meetings and debates. To help people in praying and sharing their prayers, the www.prayforthesynod.va website has been implemented.
To be truly ecclesial and effective, the synodal path of listening and discernment should always seek to be communitarian and touch on the life of the community in a defined historical and geographical context according to the logic of an 'incarnated' faith: thus, we strongly advise against sending one's reflections and/or contributions directly and exclusively to the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. All faithful must contact the Contact Person/Team of his/her diocese. People who live in dioceses that don't yet have synod plans shall address their requests, reflections or reports to the synodal team of the Episcopal Conference of reference.
Prayer for the Synod – October 2024 Synod Assembly: Lord, We walk with You through this Synod Assembly. We want to understand step by step that synodality is not a goal, but a path for all the faithful, which we must travel together, hand in hand. Grant us the understanding that life in You is a pilgrimage of solidarity, a journey together towards God where we advance not by running, but with affection, sharing a life made of prayer, proclamation, and love for our neighbor. At the heart of this synodal journey lies the desire to communicate to all Your promise and Your invitation to recognize Your living Presence among us. Thank You for the path we have traveled, but even more... Thank You for the desire to move forward! How can we be a synodal Church on mission? Sustain this search that continues on its way and confirm us by shedding light on our steps. Amen.
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