The Synod on Synodality

The Synod on Synodality began under Pope Francis in 2021 with the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.” Catholics around the world were invited to listen, share their experiences and take part in discussions about the life of the Church. This process included local meetings, larger continental gatherings and major assemblies in Rome in October 2023 and October 2024. Lay men and women took part alongside bishops, including having voting rights at the assemblies. Synodality means “walking together,” with the aim of making listening, shared responsibility, prayer and careful discernment a continuing part of Church life.

The School for Synodality helps Catholic communities take part in the Church’s synodal journey. It encourages people to listen to one another, share their experiences and make decisions together through prayer and reflection. It provides practical resources, workshops, online groups and learning materials for parishes and dioceses. It is open to everyone involved in Church life, including parishioners, clergy, religious communities, teachers and lay ministers.

Today I participated in a School for Synodality webinar via Zoom, alongside around thirty other participants, exploring the core themes of the Synod on Synodality. I found the session welcoming and thought-provoking, particularly its emphasis on listening to others and learning how the Church can walk together. The discussions helped me develop a clearer understanding of communion, participation, mission and the importance of shared responsibility within Church life. I valued hearing the experiences and views of other participants, which showed how meaningful dialogue can bring people together while respecting different perspectives. Overall, the webinar was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of synodality and encouraged me to think more carefully about how I can contribute to the life and mission of the Church.