In a church that “bears the signs of serious crises of mistrust and lack of credibility,” members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops will be asked to find ways to build community, encourage the contribution of every baptized person and strengthen the church’s primary mission of sharing the Gospel, said the working document for the October gathering.
Synodality
Archbishop Pierre: With Christ as ‘true north,’ synodality empowers the church to be ‘more effective’ in its mission
At the U.S. Catholic bishops’ June assembly, Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal representative to the U.S., laid out the Vatican’s case for how embracing synodality — with Jesus Christ as their “true north” — can help bishops carry out the church’s evangelizing mission with their people.
Archbishop: Months leading to synod are times for faithful to live response to divine grace ‘more intensely’
The months leading up to the October world Synod of Bishops in Rome offer an opportunity for the faithful “to live more intensely our response to divine grace,” the president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said May 31.
A church of the many: Pope addresses some synod questions, fears
While the release of the working document for the Synod of Bishops on synodality is expected sometime in early June, Pope Francis tried to respond to some of the questions and concerns about the synod process that already have been raised.
Pope decides women will be voting members of Synod of Bishops
At least three dozen women will be voting members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October, Pope Francis has decided.
The listening heart of Christ can heal wounds of the church
Since Pope Francis called for a worldwide Synod on Synodality nearly two years ago, there have been many listening sessions here and around the world to hear from as many of the baptized as possible.
Church must be united but not uniform, say synod organizers
Catholics gathered at the continental level say the Catholic Church must be united, not uniform, and embrace its many forms of expression throughout the world, said members of the synod preparatory commission after a weeklong meeting at the Vatican.
North American Catholics identify harm of polarization, bishop says
In their discussions about the life of the church and “synodality,” or walking together, Catholics in United States and Canada noted the negative impact “polarization” is having on the church, said Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas.
Synod’s ‘messy,’ ‘joyful’ North American phase concludes with call to mission, moves to Rome
The final document for the North American phase of the 2021-2024 Synod on Synodality was released April 12, capturing a process of dialogue and discernment that two participants described as ‘messy,’ ‘joyful’ and unifying — like the synod itself.
Commission focuses on ensuring synod will be prayerful experience
At the end of their first meeting, three members of the preparatory commission for the assembly of the Synod of Bishops said they know some Catholics have very high expectations for the process while others have intense anxiety.
A priesthood for all: Synodal church requires new look at ministry
If the goal of a “synodal” church is to have all the baptized recognize their responsibility for the life and mission of the Catholic community, Canadian Cardinal Marc Ouellet said that necessarily means taking a new look at priesthood.
Synod process in North America coming to close, shows ‘deep love for Jesus Christ and church,’ says bishop
the North American Synod Team, led by bishops from Canada and the United States, wrapped up a weeklong retreat in Orlando, Fla., to synthesize the results of synod listening sessions throughout the two countries.