Listening sessions for the Diocesan Synod underway

When Bishop Folda announced last year that the Diocese of Fargo would hold its third diocesan Synod, the first in 70 years, he envisioned active participation from the faithful to be an essential part of the process. The Synod’s goal is to prayerfully reflect on the state of the diocese and how we, the faithful, can carry forward the mission that Jesus has entrusted to his Church. Part of Bishop Folda’s plan is holding listening sessions around the diocese in order to gain the perspective of the faithful.

The first of 15 listening sessions took place on Jan. 17 at Holy Spirit Church in Fargo. About 80 people gathered to pray and discuss issues and ideas in order for the diocese to move forward. The ultimate goal of the listening phase of the two-year synod process is to:

• Gauge where the faith of the Church is at in the Diocese of Fargo
• Help the faithful reflect upon where they are and where they could be
• Begin the discussions about what the next steps are to help get us where the Holy Spirit wants us to be

Participants were asked to reflect on the following key questions:

• What are the top three things that are working well at your parish/diocese
• What are the top three challenges to address in your parish/diocese
• What is one step we might be called to take to respond

            “As I looked across the room, Luke 10 and Jesus’ sending of the 72 disciples came to mind and how they went out at the bidding of the Lord,” said Steve Splonskowski, Diocesan Project Manager for Evangelization. “The sharing and the discussions were enlightening and inspiring, according to the feedback I received from both laity and clergy in attendance. One thing that I am convinced of is that when we gather together in any shared experience to grow in relationship with the Lord in an effort to know and do his will, he shows up and offers blessings that we will be unpacking and benefitting from for a long time afterward.”

The sessions begin with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a presentation by Bishop Folda, Scripture, and reflection. Afterwards, participants gather in groups for discussion and an exchange of ideas. The Synod will culminate with the Synod Assembly in April 2024.

Upcoming listening sessions include:

• Feb. 15: St. Ann’s, Belcourt
• Feb. 16: St. Therese, Rugby
• Feb. 27: St. Philip Neri, Napoleon
• Mar. 7: St. Alphonsus, Langdon
• Mar. 8: St. Paul Newman Center, Fargo
• Mar. 9: St. Thomas Newman Center, Grand Forks
• Mar. 13: Holy Rosary, LaMoure
• Mar. 16: St. John’s, Grafton

All upcoming listening sessions are 6:30 to 9 p.m. Learn more at www.fargodiocese.org/synod.