Let us continue to “Journey Together”
The Synodal Church: Past, Present and Future Hope
In 2021, Pope Francis invited the people of God to journey together on a synodal path reflecting on the themes of communion, participation and mission. In 2023, 368 delegates which included ordained, religious and lay women and men and young people met to address the concerns raised by the people of God ranging from clergy and laity, abuse and trust, war and peace, care for creation, young people and women’s gifts.
Their Final Document was published in 2024. Every paragraph received approval from at least two-thirds of the delegates.
Before his death, Pope Francis accepted the Final Document as official church teaching. And now, with Pope Leo’s blessing, we are in the implementation phase, continuing through 2028.
Once again the whole Church is invited to participate.
Come share. Come listen. Come be heard.
As we take the next step in living out and implementing synodality in our local church, please consider participating in one of these synodal conversations:
Old St. Mary’s Parish (1500 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago)
Saturday, November 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register here
St. Thomas the Apostle (5472 South Kimbark Avenue, Chicago)
Saturday, December 5, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register here
St. Gianna Molla (10233 South Central Park Avenue, Evergreen Park)
Saturday, January 9, 2027, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Register here
For more info and to register for a session near you, please visit: archchicago.org/synodality
Synod
Synod: Journey in Faith
When: 2nd Thursday of the Month
Time: 6:30pm-7:30pm
Place: St. Barnabas Church Hall
Are you seeking to have honest, open conversations about faith and life? Journey with others striving to live an authentic Christian life in our Church and in our world.
Join us for conversations in the Spirit: a prayerful, structured dialogue where we practice mutual listening and shared discernment. No debate or polling; just open hearts and faithful listening. All are welcome!
For more info, contact Margie Wegrzyn at [email protected].
In its technical sense a synod is a gathering of church leaders to discuss matters of faith or church practice. The word literally means “journeying together” (from the Greek word synodía), to indicate that this process should always be done in the company of others and never alone.
What is that is the purpose?
The objective of this synodal process is not merely to offer a brief or singular encounter of unity, but rather to present a chance for the entire People of God to collectively determine the way forward in the journey toward becoming a more synodal Church over the long haul.
"We recall that the purpose of the Synod is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands."