The North American synod team, consisting of bishops, clergy, religious and laity from the US and Canada, has concluded its retreat and will begin drafting a reply to the working document for the continental stage.
That reply will be due in Rome by 31 March. Eight bishops, two women religious, three laywomen, two priests and two laymen gathered in Orlando, Florida for a week to begin the drafting process.
“It has been a tremendous grace to accompany the people of God in North America along the synodal path,” said Bishop Daniel Flores, who has led the synodal process for the US bishops’ conference.
“A deep love for Jesus Christ and the Church animated the continental assemblies and the participants expressed a great desire to pray and work for a more synodal style in the Church going forward.
“The synodal way has focused more attention on the baptismal dignity and mission of Christ’s members and has brought great hope that we can, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, strengthen our communion with one another and with the Lord.”
Twelve virtual assemblies throughout the US and Canada were held in December 2022 and January 2023 with over 1000 people participating.
Mexico, though part of North America geographically, was participating in the Latin American and Caribbean bishops’ conference synodal process. The results of those virtual meetings formed the basis of the retreat discussions.
“Deepening relationships between the Church in Canada and the United States is invaluable for the ongoing synodal path,” said Bishop Raymond Poisson of Saint-Jérôme and of Mont-Laurier, president of the Canadian bishops’ conference.
“Bringing our two countries together in a meaningful way will serve to form the foundation for greater unity among the people of God in North America.”
The progress made in Orlando was not enough to quiet critics of the synodal process.
“A process always has a purpose and content. Just ‘walking together’ is not enough,” said former Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput in a recent interview.
“Accompaniment is not enough. We need to walk in the right direction and arrive at the right destination.”
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