Some thoughts on the Synod on Synodality

On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the Synod on Synodality began their meetings at the Vatican. I have the impression that this Synod is not uppermost in the attention of most Catholics, although in some circles it has garnered considerable attention. The Synod will meet until Oct. 29.
The preparation for the Synod has taken place over the past few years. First, there was a diocesan phase when each diocese asked people to respond to certain questions about the Church in their diocese. In our archdiocese questions were sent to all parishes for input and the questions were also placed on the archdiocesan website for individuals to respond. About 400-500 people participated in this phase in our archdiocese.
Then the diocesan reposts of this consultation were compiled into a national document for the United States. This was also done in each country. Then the national reports were compiled into continental documents, one each for Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, the Pacific and South America. Now the universal discussion will take place in Rome.
The word “synod” means coming together. A synod is called together by the Pope. Synods are fairly common in the Church, especially in more recent years. There have been synods to discuss a certain topic (such as youth) or the Church in a certain area (such as the synod on the Church in the Amazon region).
This Synod is much broader in its purpose. It is a coming together to discuss how we as Catholics come together as a Church. It will seek to discuss our witness as a Church and the way in which we bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world. In effect, it will ask “We look at each other, but do we see each other?” “We hear each other but do we listen to each other?” We are together within the Church but that does not mean we are united in the Church.
About 400 people will attend the Synod. They will be from all over the world. Most will be clergy but, unlike all previous synods, for the first time laity are invited to take part in the Synod as full members.
Due to the breath and scope of the Synod, there is a certain amount of angst among some people who are concerned what the Synod will do, won’t do, or may or may not decide. Allow me to make some comments.
First, U.S. Catholics make up about 7% of the Catholic Church. Our voice will be one among many. We as U.S. Catholics have our concerns but there be may other concerns from counties as diverse Uruguay, Cambodia, Congo, Norway and other nations. Thus, items of interest to us will need to become part of a much wider discussion.
Second, a synod is not a legislature or a congress. The members of a synod may make decisions, but the synod is advisory. At the close of the Synod, the results will be presented to the Holy Father for his discernment. Only the Pope will be able to make final decisions, if any, about the results of the Synod.
Third, it is unwise to predict beforehand what the Synod will do. A group as large as 400 people, from all over the world, may develop its own dynamic. Groups can be unpredictable. 
Fourth, the Synod meeting this October is the first of two sessions. The next session will take place in October 2024. It may be appropriate to have modest expectations of what this session will produce since the participants will meet again next year.
Finally, we should pray that the Holy Spirit will guide all the discussions and decisions of the Synod. Whether we think the Synod is a good idea or not, it will take place. Therefore, the best thing we can do is to pray that the Synod will be guided by the Spirit and its results be pleasing to God.