“We are all part of the Body of Christ. Everyone has a role to play. Everyone has a place.” — Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger
Upcoming Synod Sessions
Dioceses all across the U.S. are being asked to hold a new round of synod listening sessions, focusing on church structure, organization, leadership, and church life. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has scheduled four sessions, listed below. Three are in person, one is virtual.
March 5, 2024: St Mary's Church, 39 Walnut St., Oneonta, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
March 6, 2024: Our Lady of the Annunciation, 448 Aviation Rd., Queensbury, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
March 12, 2024 Snow date (if needed) for any of the above
March 18, 2024: Virtual Gathering, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
March 20, 2024: St Ambrose, 347 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
We are asking everyone to register for a session. That will allow us to determine how many people to expect for each.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR A SESSION
IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER
Please check this page.
If a session has to be postponed, we will post that information here.
Synod Updates
American Dioceses will hold Synodal Listening Sessions Lent 2024
Letter to People of God from Synod Assembly
Towards October 2024 - Steps to be Taken
A Series of Articles: The Synod on Synodality: communion, participation, mission
How to have Conversations in the Spirit? Steps Toward a Synodal Church
Synthesis of Listening Sessions
Click here for our full Synthesis of Listening Sessions
Synod: a definition
“Despite the odd-sounding words, the vision is very simple: it’s about experiencing our faith as a journey together, accompanied by Jesus and the Apostles,” writes Bishop Scharfenberger in his Evangelist column. Essentially, the Synod, as Pope Francis has outlined it, will be about mutual listening and dialoging. It will be about reflecting and journeying together. Don’t get scared off by the unusual words. (Synodality isn’t even in the dictionary!) This local synod process is simply going to be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, your hopes and your needs as a Catholic. We want to hear from you. We want to know what you need from the Church – both local and universal – to help you on your journey of faith. Together we will take the next steps toward greater unity, greater collaboration, greater faith!
Read Bishop Scharfenberger’s full column on the opening of the Synod in the Diocese of Albany
Listening Sessions
The Diocese of Albany is excited to announce the beginning phase in the worldwide “Synod on Synodality” initiated by Pope Francis. The diocese will coordinate regional listening sessions for its 126 parishes, at which everyone is encouraged to share their opinions on what they are looking for from today’s Church. The listening sessions will be hosted at a central location within each of the seven vicariates across the diocese. Bishop Scharfenberger will be in attendance, lead the opening prayer, and spend time listening to the faithful. The sessions will be guided by a facilitator utilizing universal questions and provide the opportunity for small group breakout sessions.
Click here for our Synod Listening Sessions Toolkit
Resources
Synod Listening Sessions Toolkit
Video: What a Synod Session Looks Like
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)
Synod Preparation Webinar Series
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Click on title for recording of What is the Synod and Why Should I Care? Part 1: A True Season of the Spirit
Click on title for recording of What is the Synod and Why Should I Care? Part 2: Walking & Listening Together
Click on title for recording of What is the Synod and Why Should I Care? Part 3: All the Baptized – Co-responsible for Mission.
Prayer Card
CLICK IMAGES TO DOWNLOAD PRAYER CARD
Diocesan Synod Committee
Visit this link to contact any of our committee members or email synod@rcda.org