Now that the 2024 Final Document has expressed a desire to see more laity involved in the selection of bishops, clergy and laity must move forward on this process. We are inviting clergy globally to join in an online discussion to explore their partnering with the laity in establishing a process for the selection of bishops.

Now that the four-year synodal process is completed, it is time for the everyone in the global Church to live out what we have discerned together: how to become a renewed and vibrant community where all people have a voice in the decision-making of their community and the clergy and lay people live the Gospel mission together.

All are encouraged not to wait for some instruction from the hierarchy. If this change is to occur, it is up to the leadership of the laity to step forward. Often this will be from the diocesan or parish council but, if these don’t exist, then it is up to leaders in the parish or the community.

The final document of the 2024 Synod, paragraph 70, says: “A bishop’s service is a service in, with and for the community. It is carried out through the proclamation of the Word and by presiding over the celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments.

This is why the Synodal Assembly desires that the People of God have a greater voice in choosing bishops.”

If you want to bring synodality to your parish, we will schedule a time to offer this. If there is sufficient interest, we may offer this more than once.

In the spirit of synodalidy, on Saturday, November 23, the int’l networks are sponsoring an online event guiding local parish communities into suggested ways for involving the whole community in the selection of bishops and pastors.

The 52-page document, which was approved by 355 synod members in attendance, outlines the proposals reached by consensus for Church renewal.

VATICANELLE is a parody with seven Women bishops and Pope Sister Martha in a Synod of Bishops discussing if men could be ordained. After a long discussion a clear decision is made:

Ad Experimentum suitable men will be ordained as priests and deacons in those communities that wish to take this opportunity.

The motion is approved by a vote 6 – 2.

In this moment of deep reflection and transformation for the Church, you are invited to actively engage in this important event designed to amplify the voices of women in the synodal journey. This webinar will bring together a group of inspiring speakers many of whom...

It is our hope that Synod delegates will be emboldened by the Gospel to advocate for women’s equality and gender equity so that a path toward credible synodality can be initiated at this Synod with the urgency it requires. Guided by the Holy Spirit, may it be so.

Synodality is alive and well in Oceana.

People appreciated the opportunity to be heard and took seriously their call to share roles and act co-responsibly, and the opportunity to review existing structures.
There is a strong sense of the church being a vehicle for empowerment of peoples to address critical issues and improve the well-being of all.

The 2023 Synthesis Report encourages more involvement of the laity and the entire community in discernment and decision making within their own community. To further explore this topic, this was a panel presentation on just three of the ways for the laity to participate in the decision-making in their community and sharing best practices where this is already being implemented.

We have been gifted with information from three prominent Latin American reformers involved in Church and societal reform: Fr. Peter Hughes, Birgit Weiller, MM, and Olga Consuelo Vélez. It is important to note that 40% of the world’s Catholics live in Latin America.

There must be openness to listen to all our fellow pilgrims on this journey and to all topics of concern for our Church to be truly synodal. When one holds sacred space to truly listen, one affirms and validates others for who they are. This builds the trust needed for the marginalized (women, LGBTQ+, divorced & remarried, etc.) to respond to the invitation to speak