We do not usually associate the word Synod with the Catholic Church. We are used to hearing about other Churches meeting in Synod. However, Pope Francis has initiated a global process to re-discover the meaning and practice of ‘Synod’ in the Catholic Church.
At the moment Bishops around the world are meeting in what is known as the continental phase of the Synod. This means that the Bishops of the world are meeting on each continent to listen and discuss the reflections that have come out of responses provided by thousands of ordinary Catholics who were asked for their thoughts and ideas about how to be a church of communion, participation and mission. These three themes, communion, participation and mission are the themes for the Synod proper that will be held in Rome in October 2023 and 2024.
The reports coming out of the continental phase can be found on the Synod 2021-2024 home page. You can also read the working document that has been prepared by the Synod working group, Enlarge the space of your tent (Isaiah 54:2).
You may also be interested to see what came out of the Oceania meeting where the Australian Catholic Bishops meet with other bishops in the Oceania region. This meeting took place in Suva, Fiji in February 2023.
To participate and follow the unfolding process of the Synod you can subscribe directly to the Synod newsletter. Here you will find regular reports and reflections on the global process.
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