2023 Synod of Bishops on synodality

“An essential element of the synodal journey is the development of a greater sense of co-responsibility of the lay faithful for the life and future of the church,” the pope said Oct. 20.

Before the end of October, the synod office will release its “Document for the Continental Phase” of the synod, echoing the themes that emerged from all the national syntheses of synod listening sessions and the contributions of religious orders, Catholic movements, Vatican dicasteries and nuncios from around the world.

Over several months reflections were collected from the faithful in parishes across the diocese and put before diocesan teams and deaneries as part of the churchwide preparation process for the 2023 word Synod of Bishops on synodality.

The fourth plenary assembly of the German Synodal Path Sept. 8-10, 2022, will start by debating a 32-page text on sexual morality.

The synodal process that is underway is an invitation to people in the Catholic Church to listen to each other and can lead to greater leadership by laypeople within the church, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, told a webinar audience.

In a statement issued in July, the Vatican said the Catholic reform project in Germany “does not have the faculty to oblige bishops and the faithful to assume new forms of governance and new approaches to doctrine and morals.”

“Let’s challenge ourselves — as a diocese, ACCs and parishes — to think of ways to invite youth and young adults to participate in the planning of, and attendance at, revival-related events over these next few years.”

“It is striking to hear from so many parts of the world where people had the opportunity to take part in a true synodal consultation like this, allowing them to pray together, to listen to each other, to dialogue on the fundamental question of the synod and the 10 themes, that they experience joy.”