Faithful gather for Mass as first phase of 'Synod on Synodality' begins

In the time leading up to the Synod of Bishops in October 2023, Pope Francis has invited all Catholics from around the world to come together to reflect on their experiences and share input on how the Church can best fulfill her mission in these current times. 

To begin this journey together, Bishop Robert Gruss celebrated an opening Mass of the “Synod on Synodality” at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw on Wednesday, October 20. The synod is now in its first phase, which will focus on listening and discernment at the diocesan (or local) level.  

During his homily, Bishop Robert Gruss quoted Pope St. John Paul II’s encyclical Vita Consecrata, in which the Holy Father wrote, “You have not only a glorious history to remember and to recount, but also a great history still to be accomplished! Look to the future, where the Spirit is sending you in order to do even greater things.” 

Bishop Gruss then explained how the Holy Father’s words could be applied locally. 

"I’m looking forward to this great history that this Diocese is still to accomplish, to look at the future where the Spirit is sending us in order to do even greater things,” said Bishop Gruss. 

Bishop Gruss went on to share how through convening the Synod, Pope Francis is inviting the entire Church to reflect on a theme that is decisive for the life and mission of the Church. The theme of the Synod is For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission. 

Deeper Communion

Bishop Gruss then explained how “the diverse members of our Diocese, will be able to learn from one another’s experiences and one another’s perspectives, always realizing that it’s all guided by the Holy Spirit. So enlightened by the word of God and united in prayer then we are able, all of us are able together through the power of the Holy Spirit, to discern God’s will and pursue the pathways to which the Lord calls us- all of us, the whole Church to deeper communion. This is what this is all about- a deeper communion, fuller participation, and a greater openness to fulfilling our mission in the world as Church universal and as Church local.” 

Bishop Gruss also noted how the 2023 Synod could be a new Pentecost moment for the Church. “Perhaps that first Pentecost moment was a form of synodality,” said Bishop Gruss. “Where they listened to each other in different voices, their experiences, and then they went forth and lived the mission of Jesus in the world where they were sent by the Holy Spirit.” 

Bishop Gruss then described how a local team is being formed to create a plan to implement this diocesan phase of the synod, which will last from October 2021 to April 2022. The purpose of the first phase will be to foster a broad consultation at the local level which is surrounded by prayer. This phase will involve priests, deacons, the lay faithful, religious communities and many others.  

“Especially, the Holy Father wants to hear from those on the periphery and on the margins, who are often excluded and forgotten, said Bishop Gruss. “That’s why he’s aiming at the widest participation possible. So, every one of us are encouraged to participate in this process. As we unfold this process in our own Diocese, I would encourage everyone to participate.”  

Bishop Gruss then quoted Pope Francis saying, “As the Church embarks on this synodal journey, we must strive to ground ourselves in experiences of authentic listening and discernment on the path of becoming the Church that God calls us to be.” 

Bishop Gruss closed his homily with a request from the faithful. “Finally, keep this whole process in your daily prayers that the Holy Spirit truly does guide the hearts of all of us so that we can become whom the Lord has called us to be,” said Bishop Gruss. 

Additional Details 

Bishop Gruss has appointed Joe Stong, Director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, and Don Buchalski, Vicariate Liaison and Coordinator of Evangelization, to oversee the diocesan synodal process. Your involvement in this process is both needed and desired. More information on how you are being asked to participate will be shared with all parishes, and here on this website, once it is available.  

Please join Bishop Gruss in praying for this synodal journey. 

Learn more about the Synod here.