• "A Synod is a formal representative assembly designed to help a bishop in his shepherding of the local Church."
• The purpose is "to discern and establish clear pastoral priorities in a way that will both promote greater unity and lead us to a more vigorous proclamation of Jesus' good news."

• The pre-Synod process has been designed to engage in a "sincere and respectful mutual listening in which everyone has something to learn."
• "Moreover, it is not just listening to one another but to the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth (Jn 14:17)m to know what the Spirit is saying to the Churches." (Rev. 2:7)"

• The pre-Synod process began in fall 2019 engaging the People of God--laity, clergy, consecrated men and women, and bishops--all walking together at the personal, parish, deanery, and Archdiocesan levels.
• The process culminates in the Archdiocesan Synod Assembly to be held Pentecost weekend, June 3-5 2022, followed by a Pastoral Letter leading to a Pastoral Plan.

Prayer and Listening Events

• 30 Prayer and Listening events (19 open and 11 focus) heald and attended by Archbishop Hebda.
• Over 8,000 faithful attended providing over 35,000 comments on what is working well in the Archdiocese and challenges and opportunities as we move forward together

1. Forming parishes that are in the service of evangelization
2. Forming missionary disciples who know Jesus' love and respond to his call, and
3. Forming youth and young adults in and for a Church that is always young

Praying with Scripture

Healing and Hope

• Sources of Catholic teaching
• Sexual morality and the family
• the dignity of women, and
• The priesthood (both baptized and ordained)

• Prayer & sacraments
• Lifelong learning
• Generosity & service, and
• Traditions & fun

Fall 2021: Parish Consultation Process with Small Groups

• Small groups meet in every parish to learn, pray, and discuss the focus areas.
• Parish feedback on the focus areas will help inform the Denary consultation

• Pastors and parish representatives gather on Saturday to learn, pray, and discuss the focus areas.
• Deanery's feedback will help determine the Synod topics.

• Approximately 500 appointed delegates (including two from each parish) gather to learn, pray and discuss the Synod topics and recommend pastoral priorities to Archbishop Hebda.
• After considering the Synod recommendations, Archbishop writes a Pastoral Letter.