July 6, 2022

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This year, the faithful of the Diocese of Arlington enthusiastically welcomed the call of Pope Francis to assist in the preparation for the 2023 General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops by engaging in local synodal gatherings over the last several months. People from all walks of life participated prayerfully, respectfully, and with charity in many synodal listening sessions, at which all were invited to share their thoughts on the Church's experience of journeying together in faithfulness to Our Lord. Many participants expressed sincere gratitude for the opportunity to reflect together on how the Church is accomplishing her mission, and encouraged continued opportunities to do so. During these sessions common themes emerged, highlighting the joys and hopes-as well as the difficulties and obstacles-we share as we strive to live the Gospel of Jesus.

I am happy to share with you a summary of those themes in a Diocesan Synodal Synthesis Report, the same report that I have submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in preparation for the Synod in Rome next year. I trust you will find that the themes outlined in the report resonate with your experience of participating in a synodal listening session in particular, and of living the faith in our diocese in general. Providentially, the main themes that emerged from our Diocesan Synodal Phase confirmed the pastoral priorities identified in our diocesan Strategic Planning process that we began last year.

Both experiences of synodality showed the importance of continued prayerful listening, dialogue, and community discernment. I am grateful to all of you who participated so wonderfully in our Diocesan Synodal Phase, and I ask you please to pray for me and for our diocese that we may continue to journey together in unity and charity as the People of God in fidelity to Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington

In preparation for the Synod, Pope Francis has asked that every diocese undertake its own Synodal Phase of local consultations:  through prayerful listening and discernment rooted in the Holy Spirit, the entire People of God is called to contribute to an undertaking by which the Church deepens in understanding of Her mission and looks toward the future.

Everyone in the Diocese of Arlington is invited to participate in the Diocesan Synodal Phase, which will involve in-person Listening Sessions at the local level:  in parishes, at universities and schools, at Catholic Charities, and at other locations. We will also reach out to include those who are no longer active in the faith, and those on the margins of the Church and society, that we may understand what distances them from the Church and how we might accompany them. 

The in-person Listening Sessions will take place from February through April, 2022.  Specific information on how to participate will be communicated through diocesan and parish media.

The fundamental question to be considered is this:  A synodal Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together,” by proclaiming, celebrating, and living the Gospel as we make our way to the Promised Land of Heaven. 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”?

Through the synodal process, the people of the Diocese of Arlington, along with the whole Church throughout the world, will grow in deepening our commitment to proclaiming, celebrating, and living the Gospel.

DIOCESAN SYNODAL PHASE TIMELINE

• October, 2021: Inauguration of Diocesan Synodal Phase, Appointment of Synodal Team
• November-December, 2021:  Diocesan Synodal Phase Planning
• January, 2022:  Listening Session Preparatory Materials Provided
• February-April, 2022:  Listening Sessions
• May-June, 2022:  Consolidation of Feedback and Drafting of Diocesan Report
• May 11, 2022:  Diocesan Pre-Synod Meeting
• June 30, 2022:  Diocesan Report Delivered to USCCB