Our Holy Father Pope Francis has invited the Catholic Church to embark on a journey together through this Synod on Synodality. Through listening and discernment rooted in the Holy Spirit, the entire people of God will be called to contribute to a process by which the Church deepens in understanding of Her mission and looks toward the future.

A Synod, the process by which the Church will begin this important work, is not just a convening of Bishops reflecting on a particular topic and advising the Pope. A Synod is a journey of discernment, in which the people of God are called to pray and reflect upon the Holy Spirit’s will for the Church. Through our listening and our sharing, we will seek to understand what the Holy Spirit’s will is for the topic being discussed – and thus, for the Church. For the 2023 Ordinary Synod of Bishops, that topic is synodality. Simply put, synodality is discerning how the Spirit is moving through and with the Body of Christ, so that we may continue to fulfill our mission to evangelize in the world.

This process actually began in October 2021,  when dioceses around the world began a phase of listening that “will integrate the Synodal Process into the life of the local Church in creative ways that promote and deepen communion, fuller participation, and a more fruitful mission.” This diocesan phase will allow parishes, dioceses, and episcopal conferences to live out our synodal journey together, and to infuse this process into the life of their communities.

We welcome responses from all baptized Catholics whether they regularly attend Mass or not. Responses from those who consider themselves on the margins of the Church or society are also welcome. Your help inviting those you know who share these circumstances is welcome and encouraged.

The facilitated small group sessions will consist of a time to briefly share your faith experiences on the theme of journeying together and your insights on your experiences and to listen to others do the same. This will be followed by a time to reflect on what you heard in the sharing session, and a chance to discern how the Holy Spirit might be guiding us in our faith journeys together.



Athens Parishes
Our parishes will begin this process with small group (6 people) listening sessions of 60- 75 minutes, starting February 6 and continuing through the month. Signups will take place in person at all Masses beginning January 29-30.

Each person will have the opportunity to participate in one session for this initial phase, either in-person or virtually. Your participation is valued and encouraged in this Synod.

Those who are unable to participate in a small group session will be able to submit written answers to the reflection questions either online or on paper to the parish. All responses will help the parishes as they decide how to proceed on the journey toward synodality and enable you to participate in the worldwide Synod.

Responses can also be submitted to the Diocese of Steubenville or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at their websites.

Pomeroy 
Listening sessions in Pomeroy will be held on Saturday, February 19 at 3:00 p.m. (before Mass) or Sunday, February 20 after the 9:30 a.m. Mass.  The meetings will be held in the Rectory, facilitated by Steve and Barbie Musser.  There is a sign-up sheet at the door of the church.  

Glouster & Buchtel
Synod listening sessions will soon be announced for Holy Cross and St. Mary of the Hills.


Questions for Reflection
The Synod sessions held at all of the parishes are listening sessions.  They are not times for drawn out discussions or debate, but rather times to listen to each person's responses to the Synod questions.  This is why they are done in a small group setting, giving each person time to speak.  

Here are some questions for your reflection: 

1. How do I experience my parish as “journeying together?”
- Who do I experience as “with me” on this journey?
- Who do I experience as further away or going in a different direction?
- How does our parish/diocese address divergences of vision, conflicts,
and difficulties?

2. In journeying together it is important that we both speak and listen.
- What obstacles do I have in speaking out concerns or ideas that are
important to me in my lived Church experience?
- How well do I listen to others?

3. What keeps me from taking a more active role in the Church’s life and
mission?
- What is the substance and quality of my worship and sacramental life?
What makes me feel welcome or unwelcome? Do I welcome others?
- What aspects of the Church’s life and mission are we excelling in our
parish and/or diocese? What are we neglecting?

4. Based on these shared experiences, where might we hear the Holy Spirit
guiding us?


More information can be found in the documents below.