Diocesan Synod » Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse

Instrumentum Laboris

Pope Francis has called for a World Synod of Bishops on “Synodality,” to be held at the Vatican
in October 2023. In response to this call, and in conjunction with preparation for that World
Synod of Bishops, the Diocese of Syracuse will hold a Diocesan Synod in the Spring of 2024.
The word “synod” means “a gathering”, but it is much more than a single meeting. The Holy
Father has indicated that a synod is a process, not a single event. Another way of defining he
word “synod” is “a process of journeying together to seek the will of the Holy Spirit for the
Church.” He has indicated that he wishes the entire People of God to be engaged in this
process, to be consulted.

The Preparatory Document for the World Synod on Synodality quotes Pope Francis in an address
he presented in 2018 at the opening of the Synod of Bishops on Young People:
“…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.’”

Synodality is thus a way of being Church, a way of journeying together in communion, through
participation, in mission to live the good news of Christ.
Bishop Lucia has appointed Sr. Katie Eiffe, CSJ as Director of Synodal Planning for the Diocese.
Her office is located at the Chancery: 240 E. Onondaga Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. She can be
reached by phone at 315-470-1473, and by email at keiffe@syrdio.org.
As we journey together as the People of God in the Diocese of Syracuse, this page will provide
information regarding the planning for our Diocesan Synod. Information will be updated
regularly as our planning continues.