Diocesan Synod

Pope Francis has called for a World Synod of Bishops on Synodality to be held at the Vatican in October 2023. In response to this call, and in conjunction with preparation for that World Synod of Bishops, the Diocese of Syracuse will hold a Diocesan Synod in the Spring of 2024. The word synod means “a gathering,” but it is much more than a single meeting. The Holy Father has indicated that a synod is a process, not a single event. Another way of defining the word synod is “a process of journeying together to seek the will of the Holy Spirit for the Church.” He has indicated that he wishes the entire People of God to be engaged in this process, to be consulted.

The Preparatory Document for the World Synod on Synodality quotes Pope Francis in an address
he presented in 2018 at the opening of the Synod of Bishops on Young People: “…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.’”

Synodality is thus a way of being Church, a way of journeying together in communion, through participation, in mission to live the good news of Christ.