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Synodal Experience

What is Synodality

By convening this Synod, Pope Francis 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.”1 Following in the wake of the renewal of the Church proposed by the Second Vatican Council, this common journey together is both a gift and a task.

What is the aim of this Synod

The Church recognizes that synodality is an integral part of her very nature. Being a synodal Church finds expression in ecumenical councils, Synods of Bishops, diocesan Synods, and diocesan and parish councils. There are many ways by which we experience forms of “synodality” already across the Church.

What is the theme of this Synod

Communion, Participation, and Mission In the ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops in October 2015, Pope Francis declared that “the world in which we live, and which we are called to love and serve, even with its contradictions, demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of her mission.”

The Experience on the Local Level

The first phase of the Synodal Process is a listening phase in local Churches. Following an opening celebration in Rome on Saturday, October 9, 2021, the diocesan phase of the Synod will begin on Sunday, October 17, 2021.

The Basic Ingredients of the Synodal Experience

Ultimately, the diocesan phase involves similar “ingredients” as the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, such as the one that will occur in Rome in October 2023. These elements are: a liturgical celebration to begin, gathering in a large assembly, small group meetings, moments of silence and prayer, informal conversations, shared experiences (such as pilgrimages, artistic expressions,

Suggested guide for organizing a synodal consultation meeting

Synodal consultation meetings can be organized among various groups in a parish or by bringing diverse peoples together from different parishes. Other diocesan bodies or religious and lay organizations can also collaborate to hold consultation meetings. The following is a general outline of the steps that can be taken.

Resources for organizing the Synodal Process

Each diocese can discern the most conducive ways of enabling a Spirit-led synodal experience for its people, paying particular attention to those whose voices have not been heard in the past. There is advice and resources on how to go about this on the Synod website.