What the Church believes, what it thinks, what it cares about and where it’s going are subjects of debate and speculation every day in classrooms, in parish halls and on social media. But Sudbury, Ont., theologian Christopher Duncanson-Hales is seizing on the synod process to inject some real-life, empirical data into the Catholic conversation.

In October 2023, Pope Francis will convene the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”

Canadians among those conversing with Francis on synodality

DAVENPORT, Iowa. -- An idea began brewing in Patrick Schmadeke’s head as he listened to an interview with Xavière Missionary Sr. Nathalie Becquart on the Synod of Bishops in 2023.

The Synod on Synodality, on now through the fall of 2023, ought to be different according to Catholics inspired by St. Ignatius.

Pope Francis’ goal of a more synodal Church, hearing the voices of all the faithful, may be a sign of both progress and the lack thereof when it comes to the role and representation of women.

It’s been a long time since Moses brought 10 commandments down from the mountain, but at last Toronto Catholics have a chance to send 10 suggestions back up the hill to Church leadership.

The homilies are getting shorter at The Visitation of the Virgin Mary Parish in Campbellford, Ont., but the Masses are probably longer. That’s because pastor Fr. William Moloney is not going to do all the talking right after reading the Gospel.

The word “synod” is not in the average person’s everyday vocabulary, so when we’re confronted by the notion of a “synod on synodality” it’s no surprise many either run to a dictionary or simply roll their eyes. Maybe both.

In a major speech at the University of Fribourg, Canadian Cardinal Michael Czerny has made the case for the just begun Synod on Synodality as a deeply necessary and Catholic project that builds upon the graces and truth of the Second Vatican Council.

The 2023 Synod on Synodality can’t come fast enough for physician, ethicist and expert on sexual abuse by priests Sr. Nuala Kenny.

There has never been a synod like the one that will begin Oct. 17 in cathedrals across Canada.

Church governance is not about command and control. It’s about who we are and who we aspire to be as a Christian community, as the body of Christ. Since 2013, Pope Francis has been teaching this lesson in all that he does and says. Lately he’s been saying synodality just about every time he opens his mouth.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican has issued the preparatory document and a "handbook" for dioceses as part of the global church's preparation for the 2023 assembly of the Synod of Bishops, discussing the theme, "For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission."