From the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis:

Despite the great momentum for the Synod and the participation of more than 8,000 people in pre-Synod Prayer and Listening Events, the COVID-19 pandemic is requiring the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to alter the Synod schedule. To keep our focus on parishes and schools without any distraction, Archbishop Bernard Hebda announced that he has decided to delay by one year the Parish Consultation with Small Groups stage of the Synod. While the Deanery Consultation planned for a Saturday in January or February 2021 will still be held at that time, the more intensive Parish Consultation process, originally planned for fall 2020, will now occur in fall 2021. The Synod Assembly originally scheduled for Pentecost 2021 has been moved to spring 2022.

Based on the information already gathered in the Prayer and Listening Events, as well as the information gathered for the Ad Limina visit with Pope Francis in January, and the results of the Disciple Marker Index, Archbishop Hebda will announce the initial set of focus areas in late May. Those areas will set the parameters for discussions at the deanery and parish levels. The Catholic Spirit will have extensive coverage of the focus areas and more details about the Synod process as it moves forward. All are encouraged to read it regularly and to access the Synod web page, archspm.org/synod.