“As the Synod Meets in Rome I ask Your Prayers” 

The “Synod on Synodality ” is meeting this month in Rome with more than 400 cardinals, bishops, priests, religious, and lay people in attendance.  It is a gathering that is representative of the world-wide Church convoqued by our Holy Father, Pope Francis under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Its purpose is to ask the Holy Spirit to guide the Church in our times, inspiring us to “walk together” (syn-hodos in Greek) bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to all we meet. 

As Pope Francis has, I too, ask that you pray for the Synod as it meets throughout the month, that the participants truly listen to each other and the Holy Spirit that animates and guides the Church.   

There will be media coverage of the Synod that seeks to sensationalize its discussions.  Please try to look past the polarized coverage and remember that the Holy Father has repeatedly said that the Synod is not a parliament that will hold votes on matters of the faith and that the Church must always cherish and protect the truths of the faith that have been handed down to us. 

Have confidence that the Holy Spirit will keep us faithful to what the Lord taught even as it also inspires the Church to face the challenges of our time and make the Church an effective witness to God’s mercy, especially for those at the margins of life and those who feel alienated from the Church. 

+Bishop Peter Muhich