ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK RELEASES SYNOD REPORT! Click HERE to read it!
Dear members of our faith community,
The Archdiocese of Newark has announced the release of our Synod on Synodality
Synthesis Report, which captures the voices of more than 15,000 people across
northern New Jersey. This effort is the local phase of Pope Francis‘ two–year Synod
on Synodality, a worldwide effort to discern how the Catholic Church can better
engage with today‘s faith communities. The archdiocesan report will be part of a
consolidated U.S. report submitted to the Vatican for the Synod of Bishops in Rome
in October 2023.
More than 700 online and listening sessions were held throughout the four counties of the
Archdiocese, and Catholics representing a wide range of cultures, ethnic backgrounds, age
groups, and languages contributed. Participants included parishioners, families, parents,
students, catechists, and many others — and they expressed their gratitude for the
opportunity to participate, as well as their concerns about many key issues facing our
Church.
Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, stated, “Many people of our local Church
responded enthusiastically to the invitation to participate, and many expressed
appreciation to Pope Francis for the opportunity to dialogue, discern, and be heard. I urge
you to read the full report. This will give you a better understanding of the gratitude and
concerns expressed by diverse individuals and communities throughout the four counties
of northern New Jersey that make up the Archdiocese of Newark.”
The Synod Report includes recommendations for continuing the synodal journey in the
Archdiocese to foster collaboration among all in the faith community as a regular part of
Church life. Archdiocesan leaders will use this feedback to forge the synodal path ahead to
fortify parishes, ministries, and the local Church.
The 39–page report is available in multiple languages on the Archdiocese‘s website by CLICKING HERE. All are encouraged to read the report and prepare questions for
ongoing Synod meetings and discussions, which are in the planning stages.
If you have questions, please contact our Synod co-chair, Elliot Guerra at eguerra@nullacademyolmc.org. Thank you for your continued support and participation in the life of this local faith
community