Dear Friends,
Have you heard about the Synod? You might ask, “What is a synod?” The word comes from Greek meaning an assembly. Synods in the Catholic Church are usually assemblies of Bishops helping the Pope in addressing the needs of the Church. They discuss and offer consideration but do not offer resolutions or decrees unless determined by the Pope.
Synods are very ancient in our Church, usually local assemblies, dating back to the fourth century. In 1965 Pope Saint Paul VI initiated and established the Synod of Bishops. The Code of Canon Law describes it this way, 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.
Pope Saint John Paul II and Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI called several Synods on various topics. Pope Francis has called for a Synod in October 2023 on the theme “For a Synodal Church.” He has included a two-year synodal process towards it that includes consultations within Dioceses and within continents. This process began with an opening Mass on October 10 by Pope Francis in the Vatican and in dioceses worldwide this Sunday, October 17. Archbishop Pérez will celebrate the Opening Mass at 6:30 pm at the Cathedral Basilica. It will be preceded by a Holy Hour and Confessions 5 – 6 pm.
There are very little details as to how the consultation will work or exactly what the topics might be. The Holy Father has emphasized that this is not about programs or events or problem solving as it is a time for prayer, adoration, listening to the Holy Spirit as well as listening to and encountering one another in the Lord. Let us keep this synod process, all participants, our Bishops, Pope Francis, and all disciples of our Lord in our fervent prayers for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
God bless you, God love you,
Monsignor McCulken
