(Excerpt from the Preparatory Document)

The Synod is an invitation for every diocese to embark on a path of profound renewal as inspired by the grace of God’s Spirit. As stated in the Preparatory Document, the Synod considers a main question: How is our “walking together” in synodality realized today in the Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “walking together”?

The sensus fidei (sense of the faith) of the whole People of God is sought on this question. Since each diocese has a unique context, its path for seeking, promoting, and reaping the fruits of this sensus fidei will be unique. Overall, the Synod guidelines remind us that:

• The goal is to ensure the participation of the greatest number possible, in order to listen to the living voice of the entire People of God.

• This is not possible unless we make special efforts to actively reach out to people where they’re at, especially those who are often excluded or who are not involved in the life of the Church.

• There must be a clear focus on the participation of the poor, marginalized, vulnerable, and excluded, in order to listen to their voices and experiences.

• The Synodal Process must be simple, accessible, and welcoming for all.

SYNOD - home page

Vatican website:

www.Synod.va

A world-wide SYNOD

VIDEO: Bishop Mark Hagemoen

EXCERPTS from Oct. 17, 2021 HOMILY launching the Synod in our DIOCESE

LETTER: Bishop Hagemoen launches Synod in the diocese of Saskatoon

PDF of Oct. 14, 2021 LETTER

Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus

PRAYER of invocation to the HOLY SPIRIT for the Synod

Recent News:

“The Young Have Reawakened the Synodality of the Church” – LINK

“A Primer on Synodality” – LINK

“Pope: Celebrating Synod means Walking Together on the Same Road” – LINK

Timeline of Synod 2021-2023:

Oct. 10, 2021 – Pope Francis formally opened the Synod with a solemn Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.

“Let us not soundproof our hearts; let us not remain barricaded in our certainties,” Pope Francis said during the opening Mass. Instead, “Let us listen to one another.” When we follow Jesus in listening with the heart, “people feel they are being heard, not judged; they feel free to recount their own experiences and their spiritual journey.”

Oct. 17, 2021 – Bishop Mark Hagemoen launched the diocesan phase of the Synod for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon during Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon. Around the world, bishops launched the Synod in their local dioceses.

Nov. 27-28, 2021 – The First Sunday of Advent: Parishes across the diocese of Saskatoon celebrated Mass to inaugurate the Synod in local faith communities. Letter from Bishop Hagemoen – LINK

Dec. 1, 2021 – Online Synod Workshop via Zoom was held Dec. 1 for pastors, parish leaders and all those interested to discuss ways to undertake parish or group Synod consultations in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. This was a chance to hear more about the Synod and how it will unfold in our diocese, to ask questions and to share ideas.

January to April, 2022 – Synod consultation, listening and recording continues in the diocese; watch for details on the Diocesan Process page – LINK.

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022 or Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022 – 7 p.m. parish / group Coordinator Training (on Zoom) – Register HERE (link).

April 22, 2022 – Deadline for submissions from all parishes, groups and individuals in the diocese.

Wednesday, May 18, 2022 – Pre-Synod diocesan gathering with Bishop Mark Hagemoen about what has been heard in our diocese.

May 31, 2022 – Conclusion of diocesan consultations.

June 17, 2022 – Diocesan synthesis text due at the Assembly of Western Canadian Catholic Bishops.

July 11, 2022 – Regional assemblies across Canada send a synthesis for their particular region for incorporation into a national synthesis document prepared by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Aug. 15, 2022 – The national synthesis document from the CCCB, incorporating input from every diocese in Canada, will be sent to Rome.

September 2022 – The first draft of the working document of the Synod will be released by the general Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops: the Instrumentum Laboris.  Continental assemblies in Africa, Oceana, Middle East, Europe, Latin America and North America will be held until March 2023.

June 2023 – The second draft of the Instrumentum Laboris to be released.

October 2023 – Synod of Bishops gathers in Rome and produces the Final Document.

2024 – Pope Francis issues an apostolic exhortation on synodality.

Continuing in 2024 and beyond – Dioceses around the world begin to implement the recommendations of the Synod.