The Archdiocese of Baltimore’s report reflects our Synod proceedings. It has been submitted to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to be incorporated with similar reports from across the United States.
Archbishop William E. Lori reports that during the past six months the laity, clergy and those in consecrated life in the Archdiocese of Baltimore journeyed together to complete the diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality. Throughout the synod process, parishioners joined in prayer, listening, dialogue and discernment on a fundamental question proposed by the Holy Father: “A Synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, ‘journeys together.’ How is this ‘journeying together’ happening today in your local Church? What steps does the Spirit invite us to take to grow in ‘journeying together?’ ” Many participated in the process online or through a variety of organizations or groups, including those engaged in youth ministry, charitable ministries, and Catholic education. The archdiocese also sought to hear from those who are no longer close to the Church, especially those who have felt marginalized or alienated. This resulted in 235 reports containing the fruits of many prayerful, thoughtful, and honest conversations.
