Synodality
The synod at Catholic University
What’s a synod?
The word “synod” and may be new to many Catholics, but the reality described by it has been part of the life of the Church since Apostolic times. “Synod” comes from two Greek words meaning, “walking together.” A synod is an ecclesial gathering with the goal of discerning what the Holy Spirit is asking of the Church at the time.
On this page, we’ve collected videos from many American bishops reflecting on synods or on this synod in particular. The Vatican's Synod Resources page is also helpful.
What is synodality?
“Synodality” describes the way the entire Church—all of the baptized— seeks to discern together where the Holy Spirit is leading us right now. If that sounds to you like the Church just being the Church, that’s because it is!
The official name for the “synod on synodality” is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Even before Pope Francis called the entire Church to this “synodal process,” many bishops across the world have used synods to reinvigorate their local Churches.
U.S. Bishops Speaking About Synodality (On YouTube)
Posted in alphabetical order by the name of the diocese
Bishops Speaking about Synodality (Not on YouTube)
Posted in alphabetical order by the name of the diocese
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Grace & Peace no. 20 9-30-21.mp4
Bishop's Homily for Synod Mass
A message from Bishop Mulvey: For a Synodal Church
Bishop Raica of the Diocese of Birmingham
The homily of Bishop Malesic at the Opening Mass for the synod in the Diocese of Cleveland
A message from Bishop Mulvey of the Diocese of Corpus Christi about synodality
Bishop Burns of the Diocese of Dallas invites participation in the synod
Archbishop Aquila's homily for the Opening Mass in the Archdiocese of Denver
Archbishop Jackals opens the synod process in the Archdiocese of Dubuque
Bishop Ricken opens the synod in the Diocese of Green Bay
Message of Bishop Johnston for the Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph
Opening Mass in the Diocese of Nashville with Bishop Spalding
A message from Cardinal Dolan to the Archdiocese of New York
Bishop Barber of the Diocese of Oakland invites diocesan participation in the synod
Message of Bishop Barbarito for the Diocese of Palm Beach
Message from Bishop Medley of the Diocese of Owensboro
Bishop Barres homily for the opening of the synodal process for the Diocese of Rockville Centre
Bishop Gruss at the Opening Mass of the synod for the Diocese of Saginaw
Holy Hour and Mass with Archbishop Sample for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Message from Bishop Soto in the Diocese of Sacramento
Message from Bishop Cantú of the Diocese of San Jose
Opening Mass with Bishop Parkes in the Diocese of Savannah
Bishop Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois calling the fourth diocesan synod in 2017
Opening Mass for the synod in the Diocese of Venice, Florida, with Bishop Dewane
Listening Session Guides
Dioceses and organizations have different ways for eliciting feedback. These are a few!