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What is the "Synod on Synodality"? Moreover, what is a synod?

The word “synod” comes from the Greek synodos, meaning “an assembly.” Synods in the Catholic Church generally feature an assembly of bishops who come together to assist the Holy Father in addressing the challenges that face the Church.

Initially, many of the synods were held within various regions of the world to deal with local disciplinary issues. Synods of this type date back to the 4th century.

The current Code of Canon Law details the purpose: The synod of bishops is a group of bishops who have been chosen from different regions of the world and meet together at fixed times to foster closer unity between the Roman Pontiff and bishops, to assist the Roman Pontiff with their counsel in the preservation and growth of faith and morals and in the observance and strengthening of ecclesiastical discipline, and to consider questions pertaining to the activity of the Church in the world.

The bishops meet to discuss issues that involve the universal Church, or to consider “affairs that directly pertain to a determinate region or regions.”  The synod drafts a document with suggestions as to how the Church could approach various problems.  It is not their purpose to issue a decree, unless directed by the Roman Pontiff, in which case he ratifies the recommendations of the synod.

There were many synodal assemblies held under the reign of St. John Paul II, such as one held in 1994 on “The Consecrated Life and Its Role in the Church and in the World.” Pope Benedict XVI similarly held synods, including one on “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” Pope Francis has convoked multiple synods during his pontificate.  Most recently in May 2021, he initiated the “Synod on Synodality.”

The term “Synodality” refers to the way that the synods make decisions. It is a model that includes listening to a broad range of people and then discussing the issues together with the goal of hearing where the Holy Spirit is calling the Church. Pope Francis has said we must leave agendas at the door, speak with parrhesia (a Greek word meaning “frankness,” “boldness” or “courage”), listen humbly and be open to others’ ideas. No topic is off-limits, and disagreement is welcome.

Through the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis is asking the Church to rediscover its deeply synodal roots and to reflect upon how the entire People of God can journey forward together.  And unlike previous synods, this one starts at the diocesan level all over the world.  It provides opportunities for mutual consultation at every level and among many different church organizations.

Bishop Rice is asking every member of our diocese to offer their thoughts on how to grow in holiness, to be intentional disciples, and to witness to others the beauty of our faith. Each parish will conduct listening sessions over the coming months.  This input will assist Parish Pastoral Councils to move forward with ideas for parish and global renewal.

Bishop Rice reminds us of our call to personal conversion and to be a Church on mission. He is not alone when he says, “The Church does not have a mission; the mission has a Church.” We, the Church, are to proclaim Jesus Christ and draw all people into intimate relationship with him. 

May this synod be fruitful in this mission.


Author Bio:
Deacon Dan Vaughn