Synod on Synodality

In 2021 Pope Francis announced what is called the Synod on Synodality. This was the start of a multiyear process of discussion, listening and responding to the challenges facing the Catholic Church. The first step was for people around the world to gather in their churches and discuss the challenges facing the Catholic Church. In Winona, each parish invited members of the church to engage in dialogue and discussion.  In each diocese, the issues voiced were shared with the local bishop. 

Today, the second part of the process begins. Bishops and church leaders from around the world gather in Rome for the Synod on Synodality to share what they have heard from the local churches, engage in meaningful discussion about a wide range of topics, and perhaps most importantly, to listen. These meetings will continue through the month of October. We are blessed that Bishop Robert Barron, the bishop of the Diocese of Winona/Rochester, was one of the bishops selected to participate. 

The work of the synod is expected to continue through 2024 and will yield documents that will help the pope, Church leaders and local churches bring Christ's love into an ever-changing world. Please take a moment and join us in the prayer Pope Francis has offered for this historic process, "Let us pray for the Church, that she may adopt listening and dialogue as a style of life at every level, allowing herself to be guided by the Holy Spirit towards the world’s peripheries."

Written by: Steven McGlaun, Cotter Religion Teacher