Compiled by Amber Walling
Pope Francis is inviting the world into another round of listening sessions. Seeing synodality as a model of the Church, and for the Diocese of St. Cloud, is one of Bishop Patrick Neary’s priorities. All are welcome to join in at an upcoming listening session to share their thoughts, experiences and concerns of Church life, leadership and structures as this journey of synodality continues forward.
- Be part of the second round even if you attended a listening session during the first round.
“This is a second opportunity,” said Brenda Kresky, director of planning for the St. Cloud Diocese. “It’s a chance to take a deeper dive into what was learned from the results of the first round of listening sessions. We are asking different questions and asking them a bit differently.”
2. The sessions are open to anybody and everybody.
People do not need to be a practicing Catholic to participate in the upcoming sessions. Although it is recommended participants be 16 or older, all ages are welcome to attend and have their perspective heard.
“This is another opportunity to experience synodality and be a part of what that looks like for the diocese,” Kresky said. “Not just hearing people’s stories but understanding who we are as Church.”
3. Bishop Neary will attend in-person sessions.
This is Bishop Neary’s first opportunity to experience the synod listening sessions as part of the St. Cloud Diocese. Attending these sessions provides a way to interact with members of the diocese and diocesan leadership.
4. Two in-person and two virtual sessions are offered.
In-person sessions are:
Saturday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Immaculate Conception in Rice.
Saturday, March 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory in Fergus Falls.
Lunch is provided for a free will offering. Registration is required.
Virtual sessions are:
Monday, March 11, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Registration is required.
5. Sessions are bilingual.
“The sessions will be conversation-based,” Kresky said.
Both large-group and small-group discussions will be available bilingually with interpreters present.
6. Information gained will be shared at the Vatican.
A report from these sessions is due to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by Oct. 8, which will help prepare delegates for upcoming sessions in Rome during October 2024.
These sessions will include delegates from all over the world, and this session, as well as the prior synod session, will include voting delegates who are women and lay people of the Church. These instances mark the first time in history this has occurred.
Additional information and event details will be provided to all registered participants. To register, visit: https://stcdio.org/synod-2021-2024/2024-synod-listening-sessions/.