2023 Synod of Bishops on synodality

The Philadelphia Archdiocese will hold a number of in-person and online listening sessions in the coming weeks as part of preparations for the 2023 world Synod of Bishops on synodality.

The Catholic Church worldwide is showing good progress and “much joy” after the opening of the synodal process, but there also have been some “uncertainties” and challenges, said the ordinary council of the Synod of Bishops.

“Conscious of our need for the accompaniment and the many gifts of our brothers and sisters in Christ, we call on them to journey with us during these two years and we sincerely pray that Christ will lead us closer to him and so to one another,” they said.

A document from the French bishops’ conference is the culmination of two years of work by Catholic groups in France “to discern what unites them in their approach and their actions.”

As many Catholics try to understand what Pope Francis might mean by a “synodal church,” he highlighted some of the essential characteristics — especially humility and trust — in homilies and speeches over Christmas and early in the new year.

“With a powerful commitment from clergy and lay faithful, across the full range of the life and ministry of parish communities, we are going to experience a renewal of energy and the adoption of new forms of outreach and ministry,” said Archbishop Dermot Farrell.

Sister Becquart said Catholic women need to encourage and support one another for the realization of a church that is “truly inclusive.”

The Oct. 10 Mass, which officially opens the synodal process, will be preceded by a day of reflection in the synod hall, the Vatican said in a statement published Oct. 1.