Synod on Synodality
2023 Synod of Bishops
In October 2021, Pope Francis officially opened the process leading up to the assembly of the Synod of Bishops in 2023. While formally named the “Synod on Communion, Participation and Mission,” it is being referred to as the “Synod on Synodality.” In preparation for the Synod, the Church in the U.S. and around the world is engaged in a listening phase where church leaders are hearing from Catholics and non-Catholics alike to determine, as Pope Francis says, “what God expects of the church in the third millennium.”
“Celebrating a synod means walking on the same road, together” just like Jesus did—encountering, listening and discerning with all who one meets, Pope Francis said in his homily at the opening Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 10, 2021.
How You Can Participate
The vast majority of feedback will be shared through a process initiated by dioceses. Jesuits West communities and works are encouraged to take part in these local processes. The deadline for dioceses to submit reports to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is June 30, 2022.
In addition, because the Society of Jesus belongs to the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM), Jesuits and Jesuit ministries have an opportunity to host a discussion within their community or apostolate and then provide feedback on the CMSM website. The deadline for that feedback is March 11, 2022.
For additional resources, please consult this Synodality Guide with conversation guidelines for communal discussion and this Synodality Primer.
