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Forging the Future: FutureChurch Synod Sessions

The 2023 Synod on Communion, Participation, and Mission may be the most important world wide discernment process since Vatican II.  It will certainly include a broader constituency of Catholics in the preparatory stages than ever before. And because of new innovations in the process, Pope Francis has made it clear that he wants to hear from all Catholics who enter into the process in good faith.  Thus, even in cases where bishops are ignoring or diminishing the potential for the synodal journey, Catholics are encouraged to gather in other ways and let our leaders know what we see, hear, experience, and hope for as Catholics.  The goal is to discern the future of the Church with lay and ordained Catholics, no matter what their relationship to a parish.

This is an important time for all Catholics and a critical time to invest our energies in discerning the future together.  FutureChurch will do our part to make sure the voices of all Catholics are heard during this next two years in the lead up to the 2023 Synod in Rome.

FutureChurch held a series of  sessions on the six Wednesdays of Lent focusing on a different topic each session. A survey allowed each person to convey their most cogent ideas for our final report.  We will compile the final report between Easter and Pentecost and send that report off to Rome (copying our bishops and the papal nuncio) in the Spirit of Pentecost.

Session Materials

Our Synod Resource contains the Scripture texts and prayers – including our adapted version of the Synod prayer – for each session.

View and Download Resource

March 2, 2022: Session One – Parish Closings/Mergers and the Eucharist

March 9, 2022: Session Two – The Future of the Priesthood

March 16, 2022: Session Three – Women as Full and Equal Participants in the Church

March 23, 2022: Session Four – Lay Leadership in the Church

March 30, 2022: Session Five – Racial Justice in the Church and World

April 6, 2022: Session Six – Culture Wars, Politics, and Gospel Priorities