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The Synod on Synodality: A Time to Listen

What is a synod?

A synod is a meeting or a gathering of bishops. In 2023 there will be a Synod of Bishops in Rome on the subject of Synodality (or "journeying together"). In preparation for that Synod, there is a diocesan phase and a national phase. What we are doing between now and June 2022 is the diocesan phase. 

What happens during the diocesan phase?

During this phase, we will be hosting listening sessions and sending surveys to get a sense of how people journey together in the Church, that is, how they walk with other people and how they are helped (or not helped) by the Church. These listening sessions are focused on the experience of our people, not on ideas or abstract concepts. 

What happens with the information from the listening sessions?

From our listening sessions, we will develop a synthesis that will go to the USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops), which will synthesize all the contributions from dioceses across the U.S. The Vatican will then take all the contributions from across the world and use them to create a preparatory document for the Synod of Bishops in 2023.

Does this mean we have to wait until 2023 to do something?

No, it certainly does not. We are asking for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us take the next step forward. If there are major themes that emerge from these listening sessions, then we will follow the Spirit's lead and pray for the guidance to respond. We are really depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit for this process.

How can I participate?

You can attend one of the listening sessions, which are currently being scheduled throughout the diocese. If you are unable to attend a listening session, there will also be an online survey you can use to offer your experience of journeying together. The survey will not be available until February 21, 2022, as we want to encourage as many people as possible to attend the listening sessions.

Interested in staying updated on what's happening, complete this form...

Schedule of Listening Sessions

We are currently scheduling these sessions, and we will post them here as they are scheduled:
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  • Wednesday, January 5, at the Sisters of St. Benedict, Ferdinand: This session is reserved for the members of that community.
  • Thursday, January 20 at 6:30 pm (CST) at St. Agnes Gymnasium, Evansville
  • Thursday, January 27 at 6:30 pm (CST) at Corpus Christi Gymnasium, Evansville
  • Monday, January 31 at 6 pm (EST) at St. Francis Xavier Parish Center, Vincennes
  • Monday, January 31 at 6:30 pm (CST) at Holy Rosary Cafeteria, Evansville
  • Wednesday, February 2 at 6:30 pm (CST) at Holy Rosary Cafeteria, Evansville (Spanish)
  • Thursday, February 3 at 6:30 pm (EST) at St. Peter, Linton
  • Wednesday, February 9 at 6:30 pm (CST) at St. Nicholas, Santa Claus, Lower Level
  • Thursday, February 10 at 6:30 pm (EST) at St. John Loogootee Parish Center
  • Wednesday, February 23 at 6:30 pm (CST) at All Saints Parish, St. Anthony campus Gymnasium, Evansville (Location Pending)
  • Monday, February 28 at 6:30 pm (EST) at Divine Mercy Parish, St. Anthony Gymnasium, St. Anthony
  • Thursday, March 17 at 6:30 pm (CST) at St. John the Evangelist, Daylight

Click here to review some helpful ways to prepare for the listening sessions.

Online Survey

When it becomes available on February 21, 2022, the online survey will appear here.

Diocesan Witnesses

In the coming weeks, you will be able to watch videos of your sisters and brothers in the faith giving witness to how God is working in their lives. These witnesses are meant to help us to be more aware of God's presence and to respond to that presence. 

Parish Resources

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This fillable flyer is available for parishes to complete with the information relevant to their parish and to insert in bulletins or post around their churches. Just click on the image to open.

An insert for your parish bulletin can be found here. Just insert the information relevant to your parish.