Hey there,
I don’t know why I’m so late hearing about this, but did you know that on Oct. 10th Pope Francis kicked off a synod (pronounced sin-ed) with the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission?”
Nicknamed the “Synod on Synodality,” the process will take two years to complete and is supposed to involve all dioceses from around the globe. In other words, Pope Francis wants to hear from us all!
But what is a synod anyway? If you’re like me, you’ve probably heard about some past synods, but didn’t really stop to research what they are and what they entail.
Until now.
This week’s issue of Genuflect digs deep into what a synod is, the history of synods, past synods, how a synod differs from a council, what the Synod on Synodality is all about, the plans for diocesan involvement, what US diocesan involvement is so far (or not), and some challenges facing the Synod on Synodality.
Some believe the Synod on Synodality may end up being the biggest thing since Vatican II. Whether that’s true or not, it’s definitely something we should all keep an eye on … and get involved if our local diocese asks for our input.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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The Catholic Church’s Synod
Though local synods date back to the 4th century, Pope Paul VI established the Synod of Bishops in 1965. Here’s what they are, the three different types, and how they work.
What is a Synod in The Catholic Church? | Aleteia
The History of Synods
Kathleen Manning introduces us to some of the early Church’s synods. They range from the Synod of Hippo in 393 that approved the first list of canonical books for the Bible and the Synod of Whitby in 664 that brought together two competing churches. But then there’s the infamous one … Pope Stephen VI’s Cadaver Synod in the late 9th century that put the corpse of Pope Formosus on trial. And don’t miss Peter I’s “The Most Drunken Synod of Fools and Jesters.”
What is The History of Synods? | USCatholic
List of Past Synods
Synods were established by Pope Paul VI in 1965 following Vatican Council II. Maybe you recall hearing about one or two of them. But since then, there’ve been 19 synods. Here’s the full list, along with the documents issued by each one.
Synods Since Vatican II | EWTN
Synod vs. Council
You’re no doubt familiar with the most recent Second Vatican Council held between 1962-1965. So you may wonder how a council such as that is different from a synod? There is a primary difference between the two. Here’s what you should know about each one.
What is The Difference Between a Synod And a Council? | Aleteia
A Synod on Synodality
On Sunday, Oct. 10th, Pope Francis kicked off the “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission” synod, aka the Synod on Synodality. Here’s what this is all about and the process it will follow over the next two years.
Explainer: So, What Exactly is a Synod? | America Magazine
Synod 2021-2023 Resources
Visit the official Synod 2021-2023 website to learn more. You’ll find the Synod roadmap, documents, logos, and more.
Synod 2021 – 2023 | Synod 2021-2023
The Diocesan Phase
This first phase of the Synod of Synodality is the diocesan phase. Each bishop is asked to undertake a consultation process with the local Church from Oct. 17, 2021, until April 2022. According to Cardinal Grech, the General Secretariat wanted “to allow everyone to make his or her voice heard, that listening is the true ‘pastoral conversion’ of the Church.”
Vatican Asks All Catholic Dioceses to Take Part in Synod on Synodality | Catholic News Agency
Diocesan Involvement So Far
In September, America Magazine reached out to the 196 “particular churches” in the United States to find out about their plans to participate in the diocese phase of the Synod on Synodality. The results are a little surprising. Here’s what they found, and how some of the dioceses are approaching it.
We Contacted Every Diocese in The U.S. About Their Synod Plans. Here’s What we Found | America Magazine
Challenges of The Synodal Process
Massimo Faggioli provides his outlook on the Synod on Synodality, which he says could be the most important global Catholic project since Vatican II. Here’s why he believes it to be so important, what he considers to be its biggest challenges, and what’s at risk.
The Synodal Process 2021-2023 | Catholic Outlook
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