The Synod of Bishops and planning for our future as a diocese

This month Pope Francis begins the 2023 Synod of Bishops with a special Mass and prayers in Rome asking bishops throughout the world to let their people know that he sincerely wants both their prayers and their input.  The theme of the Synod of Bishops is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” It will unfold in three phases:  diocesan, continental, and universal, culminating in the assembly of Bishops in October 2023 in Rome.

As the Synod of Bishops begins, we are also beginning a pastoral planning process here in our diocese.  A survey is to be completed by each parish this month so that we can gather information about the current realities of parish life across the Diocese of Rapid City and then use that information to generate good conversations about how we can better proclaim Jesus Christ to our Catholic people and all our neighbors in western South Dakota.

Please pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance for the Holy Father and those leading the Synod of Bishops and please pray that our diocesan conversations will be fruitful and lead to a bright future with many holy marriages, priests, deacons, consecrated religious and lay people on fire with love for the Lord and his Church, bringing people to Jesus Christ, the one person who is the answer to all the deep questions and desires of every human heart.

Yours in Christ,

+Bishop Peter