This is an exciting time to be Catholic. All over the world, record numbers were reported entering the Church at Easter. Lay- and clergy-led apostolates are flourishing across the U.S. and several dioceses, including our own, are seeing a growth in priestly vocations. This May, through the grace of God, Archbishop Robert Casey ordained nine men to the priesthood, tying for the largest such class in our archdiocese in the past 53 years. The Holy Spirit is truly on the move!

On top of all that, we now have the opportunity to help shape the future of our local Church. In January, Archbishop Casey announced that, for the first time since 1971, we will conduct an archdiocesan synod. He wrote, “Inspired by the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, encouraged by Pope Leo’s efforts to create a more synodal Church, and considering the more than fifty years that have passed since our last synod was held, Synod 2027 will offer our local Church a blessed opportunity to recognize Christ in our midst and respond enthusiastically to His call.” Given its extraordinary nature, Synod 2027 might well be called the opportunity of a lifetime.

This opportunity naturally raises questions. “Synod” and “synodal” are not words that one uses or encounters very often. So, here are some of the basics.

What is a synod? 

A diocesan synod is a time of prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another, culminating in a general assembly with representatives of the clergy, vowed religious, and laity to assist the local bishop. To be synodal is to journey together. Thus, Synod 2027 will be an engagement of our whole archdiocese to consider what the Holy Spirit may be asking of our local Church at this moment. The goal will be to discern needs and recommend pastoral priorities for the future to Archbishop Casey.

Why is our archdiocese holding a synod now? 

As Archbishop Casey indicated when he announced Synod 2027, it is a priority of the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, that the Church be intentionally synodal so that pastoral plans and decisions are made in a spirit of prayerful discernment. Synod 2027 will be particularly useful to Archbishop Casey as he gets to know our archdiocese more intimately and establishes priorities for the future. Our last archdiocesan synod was soon after Vatican II, and much has changed in our Church and in our society since then. One might say we are overdue for a synod!

What do we hope to accomplish? 

The two-year timeframe of Synod 2027 corresponds to the conclusion of the timeframe designated for the archdiocese-wide pastoral planning initiative Beacons of Light. Synod 2027 will help set in place the foundations of Beacons of Light as a way of life in our archdiocese.

How can one get involved? 

For starters, pray. Pray that Synod 2027 bears great fruit in our local Church and in our communities. In addition, throughout Synod 2027, clergy, vowed religious, and laity—in other words, you—will be invited to participate. A major part of this participation will be facilitated through local listening sessions called “Conversations in the Spirit” to be held throughout the archdiocese this Fall 2026 and through discernment of delegates to the culminating General Assembly planned for Fall 2027.

Next month, I will delve into the Conversations in the Spirit listening sessions. Please join me and Catholics across the archdiocese in this defining moment. Don’t miss this opportunity of a lifetime. Φ

To learn more about Synod 2027 and to register for a Listening Session, visit catholicaoc.org/Synod-2027.

Mike Schafer serves on the Synod 2027 Secretariat, the body providing coordination, planning, and communication for Synod 2027.