Synod on Synodality
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"A Synodal Church in Mission: Discerning God's Plan for the Future"In April 2021, the pope initiated the Synod on Synodality, themed “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” In October 2021, each local church around the world began the synodal process and shared how they “journey together.” Parishes, schools, religious communities, institutions and groups participated in listening sessions. The Diocese of Steubenville submitted a 10-page report (composed from the compilation of reports from those sessions) to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in May 2022. The USCCB compiled its report from the U.S. dioceses, and sent it to the Synod of Bishops. This process took place throughout the world.
Pope Francis asked the entire Universal Church to reflect on the document, “A Synodal Church in Mission: Synthesis Report,” from the First Session of the Synodal Assembly in Rome, which took place Oct. 4-29, 2023.In response to the Holy Father’s invitation (click here to read Bishop Bradley's letter), diocesan clergy, religious and laity attended synodal sessions in February 2024, to prayerfully discuss how to:
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build up the Church, including our own local Church;
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improve evangelization everywhere, including in Southeastern Ohio;
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revive participation in the Eucharist;
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care for those in need of assistance; and
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bring an end to all hatred and violence through peace.
The pope’s request for reflection and discussion sessions are intended to provide input for the Second Session of the Synodal Assembly in October 2024.
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Prayer for the Synod
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.
Amen.
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