We saw 2024 as the year that we had the power to take steps toward bringing about changes in the Church. However, we grasped that it wouldn’t happen unless we, the people, make it happen.

We’ll use this post as a starting point for 2025!

Now that the 2024 Final Document of the Synod has endorsed having clergy and laity involved in the selection of bishops, a worldwide meeting was held Saturday, December 14, 2024 to explore possible approaches for how this process might take place.

Laity are encouraged to invite priests in their own parish or diocese to join this online discussion and to offer their experience in forming criteria for the selection of bishops. The appropriate time to implement this process is upon a vacancy occurring or a bishop reaching retirement age of 75.

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.