We want to thank everyone who took the time to participate in one of our Diocesan Synod Gathering Sessions and those of you who participated in Parish Gathering Sessions as well. We have now completed the portion of the Diocesan Phase that was the local consultation of the People of God.  Now, we are reviewing all of the information that was gathered so that we can prepare the Synthesis report that will be submitted from our Diocese to the USCCB. Read more about the phases of the synodal process here.  
https://www.synod.va/en/synodal-process.html
 

Synod Gathering Sessions were held on:

February 18, 2022 at St. Thomas More Church, Narragansett
March 8, 2022 at St. Aidan Church, Cumberland
March 28, 2022 at St. Mary of the Bay Church, Warren
April 4, 2022 at Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul, Providence
April 26, 2022 ONLINE Virtual Gathering Session
May 2, 2022 at Cathedral of SS. Peter & Paul, Providence (SPANISH)


 

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The Diocese of Providence in conversation with our Synod 2023 Committee has planned four regional gathering sessions. The goal of these gathering sessions is to hear from as many people as possible about their experience of journeying with the Catholic Church. These opportunitites, along with the survey, and other gatherings hosted by parishes or groups, offer the opportunity to hear from the People of God. Please encourage family members and friends to attend one of the sessions. 

What do you hope to gain from this experience of the Synod? 
The answer to this question could vary dramatically from one person to the next. Perhaps you don't have an answer. Maybe you feel strongly that you have a solution to a challenge which Holy Mother Church faces. Maybe you recognize something we do well as a Church in the diocese and want to share that with everyone. Maybe your life has been transformed dramatically by the love of God and the  power of His grace. Maybe you are not Catholic, and you sense something or someone calling you to participate (maybe it is your neighbor who's a Catholic who is inviting you to participate). Whatever your response to the question, we ask that you come to a regional gathering ready to propose solutions and share insight that is the fruit of prayer. 

Is the Synod Gathering a "Waste of time?" 
Yes, it could be if it is not rooted in prayer and guided by the Holy Spirit. 

What can you do to prepare for a Gathering Session?
First, you need to pray for the success of the synodal process, that it be ordered toward the truth, because as our Lord said, the truth will set us free (cf. John 8:32). According to the Synod's Vademecum, the Church must read "the signs of the times in faithfulness to the teachings of the Church" (2.1). When we read the signs of the times and discern where God is leading His Church, we do so in fidelity to the teachings of the Church. 

All Catholics should consider going to Confession in preparation for a Gathering Session, especially if they have not been in a while. What did Pope Francis say about the Sacrament of Confession? He said that God "does not see people who have erred, but beloved children; wounded, perhaps; and then He has even more compassion and tenderness. And every time we confess — never forget this — there is a celebration in Heaven. May it be the same on earth!" Remain rooted in Christ, for without Him you can do nothing (cf. John 15:5). 

What can you expect at a Gathering Session?
The gathering sessions will look like this:

• Opening Prayer
• An Explanation of the Synodal Process
• A description of groud rules for discussion
• The questions to discuss will be presented
• Small groups will discuss the questions with note taking
• Then there will be time for large group discussions with note taking
• A conluding prayer