Many in the pews around the Diocese of Birmingham, and quite frankly the world, have been hearing references to Synod 2023 or the Synod on Synodality. So, what is does this mean? Well, Pope Francis has convoked the General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to meet in October of 2023 to discuss how the Church can more fully embrace "synodality," using the themes of communion, participation, and mission. In this context, synodality means that the bishops of the Church actively assist and participate with the Holy Father in the pastoring of the Universal Church.

However, for synodality to truly be successful, every bishop must be in dialogue with his flock in his particular Church, understanding their faith, strengths, concerns, and doubts. Therefore, the Holy Father opened a two-year process for all the faithful to journey together with their bishop, in prayer, discernment, and dialogue.

Locally, Bishop Raica has convened a series of regional dialogue sessions for people from every corner of our local Church to be able to participate.

The next two regional dialogues will be Feb. 26 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Madison from 1-3 p.m. and March 9 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa from 6-8 p.m.

In addition to the regional dialogues, parishes are holding their own to assist in the process. Upcoming local dialogues include St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Gardendale on Wednesday, Feb. 16 and Our Lady of Sorrows in Homewood on Tuesday, Feb. 22 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. as well as Thursday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m.-12 noon.

Young people of the diocese are also invited to participate. On Saturday, March 5 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., John Carroll Catholic High School will host the Youth Synod Dialogue. Please invite young people from your parish, both those involved and those on the margins, to prayerfully share their voices with the Church. To register, visit https://forms.gle/goxrmS3LFAL4juGYA.