As you may know, Pope Leo XIV will convene a worldwide meeting of Episcopal Conference Presidents at the Vatican from October 7–14, 2026, focusing on Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love). To support this synodal discernment, CCRI—at the suggestion of the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests (AUSCP) and in collaboration with the Ignatian Encounter Ministry (IEM)—is launching a global initiative to share the lived experiences of diverse families directly with the Synod Office.
Because Church leaders gathering at the Vatican lack firsthand experience with family life, we believe it is vital they hear from real families. We are inviting families from all around the world to host small, informal listening sessions using the Conversations in the Spirit format to share your joys, struggles, and pastoral needs.
How it works
- Gather: Families or small groups meet to reflect prayerfully on your experiences as a family, giving each member equal time to speak.
- Submit: Members of the family use the short form to capture the themes that emerge – convergences (issues on which everyone agrees), divergences (issues left unresolved), and suggestions of how the Church could better guide and support you through your struggles.
- Deliver: CCRI and Ignatian Encounter Ministry (IEM) will synthesize these global insights and deliver them to Pope Leo and the Synod Office by mid-September.
- If you need a reminder of how to hold a Conversation in the Spirt, go to Session Three: Fishbowl Conversation — Ignatian Encounter Ministry.
Though ambitious, we believe these authentic voices will provide vitally important information to Church leaders’ reflection on modern family life. If you can become more involved in this process, we’d appreciate it if you could add your name to our registry of volunteers. We will follow up soon with dates, forms, and next steps.
How You Can Help
CCRI, IgnatianEncounterMinistry, and the Association of U.S. Catholic Priests are partnering with global reform networks to reach a broad spectrum of families worldwide. We invite you to assist in any of the following ways:
- Spread the Word: Publicize this initiative to your members, parishes, and personal networks via email, bulletins, or social media.
- Invite Participation: Encourage families, clergy, and pastoral ministers in your circle to host a conversation and submit feedback.
- Keep It Simple: If you are short on time, simply forward this invitation to your network and let individuals participate directly. Family ministers are encouraged to send this invitation out to everyone in their parish community.
- If you need a reminder of how to hold a Conversation in the Spirt, go to Session Three: Fishbowl Conversation — Ignatian Encounter Ministry.
Though ambitious, we believe these authentic voices will provide vitally important information to Church leaders’ reflection on modern family life. If you can become more involved in this process, we’d appreciate it if you could add your name to our registry of volunteers. We will follow up soon with dates, forms, and next steps.
Our Goal
Our goal is to hear directly from a broad spectrum of families and those who minister to them: intact families, single-parent households, blended families, interfaith families, divorced and remarried couples, families with both parents working, families discerning questions of family planning, polygamous families in Africa, same-sex couples who head up a family, and many others whose experiences illuminate the diverse realities of family life today.
Pope Leo will be grateful to see us being co-responsible members of our Church
Thank you for stepping up to contribute to this critical meeting called by Pope Leo. As Pope Francis said at the conclusion of the XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 24 October 2015:
“How would it have been possible to talk about the family without engaging families, listening to their joys and hopes, their pain and anxieties?”
We anticipate that you will find, as you take the time to hold a Conversation in the Spirit with your own family, that the experience will not only be rewarding for your family but also invaluable to our Pope and the worldwide bishops consulting with him. Don’t be afraid to share your heartfelt joys, anxieties, and concerns as a member of your family. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to Church reform and for considering this invitation.
Your donations are most appreciated
YOUR GIFT – IN ANY AMOUNT – IS PRICELESS
When you make a donation to support our cause, you join with others who are investing in restoring our Church to what Jesus intended. The dollars we receive are used to run our programs and to reach a broad spectrum of the People of God. We are focused on reaching out to the Faithful, reform activists, young adults, and those who feel abandoned by the Church, to name just a few. Your personal contributions, including your suggestions and donations, are most appreciated.
On behalf of the CCRI strategy team
Rene Reid, CCRI director
