Pope Francis is inviting all of the world’s Catholics to participate in a consultation about how the Church journeys with them, invites their authentic communication, listens to their concerns, and promotes their participation in the full life of the Church.

This consultation will bring together the people in the pews, clergy, religious and those living on the margins, in a gathering the Church calls a “synod.” This synod is focused on how the Church engages all of these groups in the life of the Church all levels. The synod’s theme is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” and it is to conclude in 2023.

The Catholic Church is facing unprecedented challenges the world over. Many have stopped practicing their faith. Countries, communities and families are divided. The pandemic is having a devastating impact. In this crucial moment, the Church is forging a pathway to profound renewal. The Church is holding a consultation, or synod, inviting participants to encounter one another, listen to each other’s experiences, and discover together what God is calling the Church to do in these times. The insights that come from this consultation will be used to renew our parishes, schools and the diocese itself by strengthening a church culture that listens to its faithful, makes them co-responsible for the life of the church and reflects their wisdom.

The consultation will take place in two phases. The first one involves sessions at parishes, where people will be able to share their experiences in the Church, meeting in small groups in March. From April to June, students in fifth to 12th grade will participate in the consultation at their Catholic school or in their faith formation classes at their parish. Also starting in April, people who live on the margins of society will participate, including refugees, the homeless and the incarcerated. In the second phase, all faithful will be invited to share their views through a survey to be circulated in summer. Please register with your parish through Flocknote, or other means, to be able to receive the survey through email. The survey also will be available to individuals who are not online.