Synodality
The ability to imagine a different future for the Church and her institutions, in keeping with the mission she has received, depends largely on the decision to initiate processes of listening, dialogue, and community discernment, in which each and every person can participate and contribute. - Preparatory Document, para. 9
In October 2021, the Catholic Church embarked on a process titled "Synod 2021 - 2023: For A Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission". Called by Pope Francis, this two-year synod is a "journeying together". The Synod asks people to reflect on where the Church has been so that, going forward, it can better live in communion, promote participation and carry out its mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
Dioceses around the world have invited parishes, higher ed institutions and other entities associated with the Catholic Church to listen to and consult people at every level and every place.
At Villanova, volunteers known as "animators" began hosting campus sessions for undergrads and grads, including those who no longer feel connected to the Church. A synthesis of all findings will be sent to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and, eventually, the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB will include this synthesis in its national report to the Vatican.
Finally, in October 2023, the Vatican will host the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Following that event, the implementation phase will begin.
Villanova's Animators
Kathleen J. Byrnes, JD
Vice President for Student Life
Sister Amanda Carrier, RSM
Graduate Student, Theology
The Rev. Kevin DePrinzio, OSA, PhD
Vice President, Mission and Ministry
Kathryn Getek Soltis, STL, PhD
Director, Center for Peace and Justice Education
Assistant Professor, Christian Ethics
Brian McCabe '11 MS
Associate Director for Outreach and Student Formation, Mission & Ministry
Additional Information
Pope Francis explained the importance of the Synod in his address to the Synod on Young People in 2018:
"To plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and visions, allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another, and create a bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, give strength to our hands, and inspire in young people-all young people, with no one excluded-a vision of the future filled with the joy of the Gospel."
Learn more about what a Synod is and its role in Church history.
- In April 2022, disceses around the world invited parishes, higher education and other entities associated with the Catholic Church to listen to and consult the People of God.
- On April 4, 2022, students from all of the Philadelphia Catholic colleges and universities, as well as several Newman centers, took part in the Philly Catholic Higher Ed Gathering at La Salle University. After dinner and conversation, Archbishop Nelson Perez listened to the voices of those gathered.
- A synthesis of all findings was sent to the Archdiocese and to the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. The USCCB included this synthesis in its national report to the Vatican.
- In October 2023, after months of collaboration, drafting and reviewing at the national and international level, the Vatican hosted the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. After this event, the implementation phase will begin.
In the spirit of synodality, the following entities have come together to ensure that the voice of Catholic higher ed in Philadelphia is heard:
- Cabrini University
- Chestnut Hill College
- DeSales University
- Gwynedd Mercy University
- Holy Family University
- Immaculata University
- La Salle University
- Neumann University
- Rosemont College
- Saint Joseph's University
- Drexel University Newman Center
- University of Pennsylvania Newman Center
- West Chester University Newman Center
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Learn more about this Philly-area effort, which Villanova helped to spearhead.
