Diocesan Synod: What’s Next?

Parish listening sessions across the Diocese of Fargo are now complete. Nearly 1,000 faithful took part in the 17 events at locations across the diocese. Also now being reviewed by committees and pastors are the parish self-reflections completed this winter by over 2,200 parishioners. As part of the ongoing synod preparations, Bishop Folda will continue to consult with the clergy of the Diocese of Fargo. What are some things that have stood out so far? What’s next?

During the listening sessions the power of time spent in adoration of Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament was a topic that always came up. Another common topic was the love for our priests and the appreciation of their availability for the sacraments. A concern was shared for those who have not yet returned to Mass after COVID-19, and for families who are not practicing or passing on their Catholic Faith to their children. Lack of volunteers and help at parishes was another great concern.

The parish self-reflections offered a more personal perspective of faith journeys in our parishes. The majority of these surveys were taken by parishioners who attend Sunday Mass on a regular basis. Even with this being the case, there were a large number who indicated they did not attend confession on more than an annual basis. Additionally, in most cases, 50% of couples indicated that they pray together seldom to never. The majority of parishioners did not feel like their parish was on a mission to evangelize or had a very good connection to the greater community. An interesting paradox emerged: at the parish listening sessions, most parishes were concerned about the lack of help and volunteers. The parish self-reflection, however, reported that 25-50 percent of the respondents indicated that “they were not involved, but would like to be.”

This summer, in preparation for the Synod Assembly scheduled for April 2024, each parish will elect at least one lay representative to participate in the three-day event. In October-November, after all consultations are complete, Bishop Folda will propose questions for discussion. Clergy, parish delegates, diocesan staff and other representatives appointed by Bishop Folda will study these questions in anticipation of the Synod Assembly.

Please pray for the success of the Synod. For more information, visit www.fargodiocese.org/synod.

Synod Prayer

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.