Pope Francis will invite bishops from across the world to Rome in October of 2023 for a Synod to discern ways to engage more people in the decision-making process that affects the whole Church. The theme is: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” A synod is a meeting of bishops gathered to discuss a topic of theological or pastoral significance, to prepare a document of advice or counsel to the pope.

Leading up to this gathering, local dioceses will be consulting with local Catholics to create a report to submit to their national bishops’ conference. The diocesan consultation phase will begin in October of this year and go through April 2022. The Vatican will provide a preparatory document and questionnaire along with guidelines for how the consultation should work.

Pope Francis will commence this initiative the weekend of Oct. 9-10, 2021 with an opening session and a Mass. All dioceses are also invited to offer an opening Mass on Sunday, Oct. 17.

In the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Bishop Gregory Parkes has appointed Dr. Lois Locey, Secretary for Administration, to oversee the local effort. Details on this process will be shared with all parishes once it is available. Dr. Locey can be reached at llocey@dosp.org.

For now, we invite you to visit this page often for news and updates.

Save the Date – October 17, 2021

All are invited to join Bishop Gregory Parkes for the Opening Mass of the Synod on Synodality, Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle (5815 5th Avenue N., St. Petersburg) or view the livestream at www.dosp.org/livestream.

News and Updates on the Synod on Synodality

• Synod of Bishops Publishes List of Commission Members (July 2021)
• Pope Francis Announces Synodal Process (May 2021)
• Synod of Bishops Graphic (May 2021) This flowchart shows the timeline and process for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.