SYNOD ON SYNODALITY: WHAT IS IT?

A synod is a gathering of bishops discussing on selected themes.

A synod indicates a path along which the People of God walk together.  

Synodality animates the life and mission of the Church. It’s the People of God, journeying together and gathering in assembly, summoned by Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel.

Uniquely now Pope Francis has called for a synod on SYNODALITY itself. He 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.

WALKING TOGETHER

The Synod of Bishops will take place in 2023, and this process of walking together as People of God begins in Oct 2021.

The two Phases of the Synod are:

1)Consultation with the People of God
2)The Discernment at the Synod

 

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need. Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
(Acts 2:42-47)