The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis encourages worshippers to pray for the Synod and reflect on "forming youth and young adults in and for a Church that is always young."

On Oct. 10, 2021, Pope Francis declared a "synod on synodality," which is formally titled "Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church," according to The Conversation. The process will last two years and involves expanding the existing “Synod of Bishops.” Bishops around the world are tasked with consulting with monks, nuns, parishioners and lay people to bring more openness and transparency to the Church. The Bishops will convene in 2023 to discuss how to move forward as a church that “journeys together.”

"During this year of the Synod, thank you for joining us in Prayer and Reflection, and for Following the abundant opportunities in our local Church," the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis wrote in a Jan. 24 Facebook post. "We invite you to reflect on the third and final focus area: forming youth and young adults in and for a Church that is always young. Which focus area resonates with you the most?"

The word "Synod" comes from a Greek word meaning "coming together" or "traveling together." The Synodal tradition for the Church began with ancient Christian leaders who would come together to discuss and pray about issues that affected the whole Church. 

By the 16th century, these gatherings were happening infrequently. One of the goals of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was to re-emphasize the role of bishops as leaders of their communities and encourage more communication and cooperation between bishops.

According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Prayer for the Synod: "We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen."