Synod on Synodality

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The Synod on Synodality is a three-year process of listening and dialogue. Pope Francis’ hope, in line with his emphasis on the Church being intrinsically synodal, is to invite the world (believers, non-believers, the marginalized, the poor, etc.) to participate and talk about how the Church is living out its communion, participation and mission.

Bishop Hicks and the Diocese of Joliet hosted our inaugural Mass, initiating the diocesan phase, on October 17, 2021. The diocesan phase consisted of diocesan parishes hosting “listening sessions” for its people.

Parish listening sessions took many forms – such as surveys or large group meetings – since local churches were welcome to organize the sessions as they see fit. The guiding principles were as follows: speak boldly, listen in dialogue, and discern the truth.

The next phase of the Synod will take place at the continental level beginning in September 2022, and will end at the universal level in Rome in October 2024. An ecumenical prayer vigil for the Synod will take place on Sept. 30, 2023, in St. Peter's Square in Rome.

(The Synod was originally intended to end in the fall of 2023. But in mid-October of 2022, Pope Francis announced he was extending the universal phase of the Synod to October 2024 for a longer discernment.)

Please reach out to diocesan Chancellor David Salvato at [email protected] with any questions.