Synod 2021-2023
For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission
What is a Synod?
The word “Synod” is derived from Greek and means “to journey with.” This phrase expresses the idea of journeying together. Pope Francis is inviting each of us to experience involvement and participation in the life and mission of the Church in a new way. This process is vital for the church’s life and mission. The goal is to exchange information and share experience with each other to seek pastoral solutions that apply throughout the universal church.
This synod is an opportunity to listen to what we can do as a faith community walking together toward God.
A “synodal Church” is a Church that listens: “It is a mutual listening in which everyone has something to learn. The lay faithful, the bishops, the pope: all listening to each other, and all listening to the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of truth” (Jn 14:17), in order to know what He is saying to the Church” (Pope Francis, Commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the institution of the Synod of Bishops, October 17, 2015).
The main question
A Synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.” How is this “Journeying together” happening today in your local Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”? Detailed Synod Questions (PDF)
Who can participate in this Synod?
EVERYONE – Every baptized Catholic is to participate in this synod. The Synod is not restricted to the baptized. We also need to hear the voices of other people who are willing to journey with us. Invite your friends and family!
There will be an opportunity to make online submissions and participate in listening sessions – both in-person and online. The journey begins soon and will continue until the end of April.
More information and how to get involved
- Pray the Synod Prayer (below)
- Read our STM Synod Frequently Asked Questions
- Read this article from Salt & Light
- Visit the Archdiocese of Edmonton website for more Synod resources and background
- Reflect on the Detailed Synod Questions (PDF)
- E-mail the STM Synod Committee for information about how to volunteer and participate in upcoming Listening Sessions
- Check this webpage often for updates
Synod Prayer
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts;
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.
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
so that we may journey together to eternal life
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,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.
forever and ever. Amen.