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For a synodal Church
communion | participation | mission

What is a synod? 

The word "synod" comes from the Greek word σύνοδος (synodos). This word is comprised of two root words: syn, meaning "together" and hodos, meaning "the way, path, or journey." You will sometimes hear people say that the word synod means to "journey together." That's true, but there is an important element that one could easily miss. We could ask: journey together where? Where are we headed on our journey? In the Gospel according to St. John, we read the words of Jesus Christ: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). The Greek word of the New Testament for "the way" here is the word hodos. This passage inspires us to consider where our journey together should be headed: we journey together, following Jesus Christ, prompted by the Holy Spirit, toward God the Father. 

The Church has long used the term synod to refer to a gathering of bishops or priests who come together to discuss matters doctrine or ecclesial life. In 1965, Pope Paul VI established the Synod of Bishops that would meet every few years. This next Synod planned for 2023 with the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission" will be the 16th ordinary synod since 1965. In preparation for this Synod, Pope Francis has outlined several phases, including a diocesan phase which began on Sunday, October 17, 2021 with Bishop Thomas J. Tobin celebrating Holy Mass. The video is posted below. 

What is synodality?

"According to the International Theological Commission in 'Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church' no. 6, synodality is 'the specific modus vivendi et operandi [way of living and operating] of the Church, the People of God, which reveals and gives substance to her being as communion when all her members journey together, gather in assembly and take an active part in her evangelizing mission.' The idea of synods is not something new; synods emerged from the early Church and the 2021-2023 synod process is not simply 'another program' or a 'new initiative.' Therefore, 'having a synod' is just part of synodality. Synodality is a way of being Church, not just an event or program" ("Process for Facilitating Synodal Consultations").

On October 17, 2021 his excellency Bishop Thomas J. Tobin opened our diocesan phase of the synodal process with celebration of Holy Mass at the Cathedral of Ss. Peter and Paul, Providence. Bishop Tobin discusses the synod in his homily and Edward Trendowski, diocesan director for the Office of Faith Formation, offers a brief reflection in remarks at the conclusion of Mass.