Synod 2021-2024
Bishops Release North American Final Document to Conclude Continental Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod
Released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the "National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Interim Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod" summarizes responses from more than 35,000 participants and over 1,000 listening sessions, with 76% of the nation's dioceses and eparchies submitting reports to the U.S. synod team. Some responses included:
“The Church is at its best when it’s warm, welcoming, and focuses on community building and doing more for other people."
“Listening to others will have its challenges. We will find disagreements, we will find the need
for greater discussion, we will find a troubling in our souls, we will at times be presented with such hopeful possibilities. But we cannot know these things if we are not present to each other."
for greater discussion, we will find a troubling in our souls, we will at times be presented with such hopeful possibilities. But we cannot know these things if we are not present to each other."
“It is important for Church leaders to recognize the maturity of the baptized. If the laity are to be truly co-responsible, they must be appreciated for the gifts they bring and not be relegated to the little brother or sister. Baptismal dignity is the starting point for everyone."
What is the Synod?
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."
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."