Synod on Synodality
We are all companions on the journey together.
The Synod on Synodality gathers the global Church in a multi-year process to reflect, be open to each other’s perspectives and experiences, and listen to the Holy Spirit. The synodal process leads us in discerning together our path forward towards being “a more synodal Church in the long-term.” The process encourages that special care is given to uplifting voices that may be at risk of being excluded, such as those affected by incarceration, migrants, refugees, and people living in poverty.
The official theme of the 2021-2023 synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Some core values of the synodal process include: Dialogue leads us to newness. We must show openness to conversation and change. Give rise to hope. Humility in listening must correspond to courage in speaking.
CPMC’s Role in the Synodal Process
In order to facilitate dialogue and listening as part of the synodal process, the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition, in partnership with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, has created a survey to lift up the voices of the Catholic community in correctional facilities across the United States. The survey will be administered by local Catholic chaplains and volunteers, and the results will be submitted to their local (Arch)diocese, as well as to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. To read more about this process, please view this letter from NACC Executive Director Erica Cohen Moore. To access the survey in English, please click here. To access the survey in Spanish, please click here.
Additionally, we are interested in capturing the voices and perspectives of those who minister to those affected by incarceration/detention. We invite you to share your reflections through our survey, available as a Google form, Word document, or PDF document.
We look forward to the responses, reflections, and the path forward that comes of this synodal process. If you have any questions, please reach out to CPMC at [email protected]
Synod Resources
CPMC Surveys
Letter from NACC Executive Director Erica Cohen Moore about this survey
Survey for Ministers to Those Affected by Incarceration/Detention (Formats: Google Form, Word document, or PDF document)
CPMC Town Hall Recordings
Re-Entry Town Hall: Synodal Listening Session
Diocesan Town Hall: Synodal Listening Session
General Synod Resources
Diocese of Davenport (IA) Synod website
America Magazine article on the Synod
We recall that the purpose of the Synod is not to produce documents, but to plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands.
