Here, in the United States and elsewhere, the Church has completed another stage in the Synod on Synodality called the Continental Stage. This worldwide process began in September 2021 with the promulgation of the Vademecum and the solemn open in Rome in October of that same year. Since it began, members of the Church and those outside her have been given the opportunity to voice their questions, hopes and concerns. Those voices were heard in parish gathering sessions, online video conferences, and other venues facilitated by trained teams. The information was synthesized and sent to Bishops’ Conferences. In North America, the conferences of bishops then hosted several more listening sessions, bringing together 931 delegates. These men and women, religious, priests, deacons, and lay persons served as representatives for the various dioceses.
Of the many insights and impressions of the North American Continental Stage one common response stood out: people were grateful to have been given a chance to make their voices heard and talk about Christ. Some voices in the Church look at the Synodal process as a way to change Church teaching. In the document the bishops acknowledge that there can be false or unrealistic expectations regarding what the synodal process is meant to be. Instead, they stress and much of the synodal experience has been a chance for the faithful to voice their love of Jesus Christ, the need to spread His message, and the communion of believers in Him. Recognizing that reality, while seemingly obvious, may be one of the greatest fruits of this synodal process.
