Synod Implementation Year 1 (July 2023-June 2024): Small Groups

What would Jesus do? Join a small group!

“In choosing the Twelve … we could say that Jesus formed the original Christian small group, and once again set the example by saying, ‘Follow me.’“ – Archbishop Hebda, You Will Be My Witnesses

Our Lord set the example of sharing and living the faith in a small community. See why small groups – in our Lord’s time, and now – are a powerful way to live our Catholic faith in the company of other believers. Small groups will foster personal relationships, build community and provide formation, so we all may grow as joyful missionary disciples of Christ. Ask your parish how you can join a small group!

For Synod Evangelization Team and Executive Cell Team members:

After three years of prayer and listening events with thousands of participants, small group meetings, video series, and a Synod Assembly with nearly 500 voting delegates, Archbishop Bernard Hebda released on “Christ the King” weekend (November 19-20, 2022) his first pastoral letter. Entitled, You Will Be My Witnesses: Gathered and Sent from the Upper Room, the document is accessible and inspiring, and well lays out Archbishop Hebda’s vision for a new model to renew this local Church.  Read the letter.

Go deeper with these reflection questions for individuals and small groups, available in English and Spanish.

Purpose of the Archdiocesan Synod

In June 2019, Archbishop Hebda announced the Synod as an opportunity to discern and establish clear pastoral priorities in a way that will both promote greater unity and lead us to a more vigorous proclamation of Jesus’ good news.

The Synod involved three years of listening, preparation and engagement with laity, consecrated women and men, and clergy across the archdiocese. 

Archbishop speaks with young adults gathered for a Prayer and Listening Event.
Archbishop speaks with young adults gathered for a Prayer and Listening Event.
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Focus Areas

Following 19 Prayer and Listening Events and 11 focus events, with 8,173 participants and 35,026 comments, in August 2020 Archbishop Hebda announced three focus areas for the Synod: 

  • Forming parishes that are in the service of evangelization 
  • Forming missionary disciples who know Jesus’s love and respond to His call 
  • Forming youth and young adults in and for a Church that is always young

Vision

Archbishop Hebda issued a pastoral letter, You Will Be My Witnesses, outlining his vision and Synod Priorities, informed through feedback from: 

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Synod members discuss at the 2022 Synod Assembly.
Synod members discuss at the 2022 Synod Assembly.

How This Will Work

In fall 2022, pastors were asked to appoint a Synod Evangelization Team of approximately 12 members dedicated to keeping evangelization and the Synod Priorities at the forefront of parish efforts.

The next steps will unfold over the coming year, as described in the pastoral letter, and be particular to each parish. Hear more from Archbishop Hebda below on the Practicing Catholic show.

Your Role

Read and share the Pastoral Letter. Sign up to receive Archbishop’s newsletter, Together on the Journey, for Synod updates. 

Pray for your pastor and the Synod Evangelization Team. See Synod prayers. 

Stay connected through your parish’s communications, as well as The Catholic Spirit, the Practicing Catholic show, and social media (Instagram, Facebook and Twitter).

Watch Year 3 Synod Videos

Watch videos from the Parish Synod Leadership Team Consultation (February-March 2022) and Parish Consultation with Small Groups (fall 2021). See all videos in each playlist by clicking on the menu in the upper right-hand corner of the video.

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