What is a Synod?

A Synod is a prayerful gathering that helps the Church walk forward in the same direction. The word “synod” comes from the Greek syn-hodos, meaning “the same way.” Synods were common in the first centuries of Christianity, giving bishops opportunities to meet and discuss issues of importance for the life of the early Church.

In 1965, Pope Paul VI instituted the Synod of Bishops on the universal level of the Church, continuing the fraternal exchange that happened at the Second Vatican Council, when bishops gathered in Rome between 1962 and 1965 to discuss important issues facing the Church and the world.

Ever since, synods have been held every two to three years, drawing together bishops from across the globe, along with experts and other delegates, to talk about issues such as the Eucharist, the family, the New Evangelization, and young people.

What happens at a Synod?

Synod gatherings always begin with a prayer to the Holy Spirit, begging for guidance. Synods involve a process of listening, discussing and consulting.

After a period of consultation, a document called an Intrumentum Laboris, or “Working Document” is written to assist the dialogue.  At the Synod of Bishops in 2023, those gathered will vote on a final document. The Holy Father, Pope Francis, then may write his own text, called an “apostolic exhortation,” to open up and shed new light on what was discussed at the Synod, so to speak to the Church and to the world.

What is happening in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee?

Here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, we have a rich tradition of gathering, listening and consulting. In 2014, Archbishop Jerome Listecki held an archdiocesan Synod. For over a year, consultation and listening sessions were held throughout the archdiocese of Milwaukee, with over 15,000 people participating. Our local synodal process culminated in the 2014 Archdiocesan Synod.

Beginning in February 2022, a process of consultation for the 2021-2023 International Synod on Synodality will begin here in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This consultation will include consultative gatherings with various groups, parish gatherings, and opportunities for individuals to submit feedback. This local consultation will take place between February 2022 and June 2022.

After the local consultation process has finished, feedback will be compiled. A report is written, and then submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by August 2022. The USCCB will then compile a synthesis of responses, and submit it to the Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops.