The Diocese of Tucson is continuing the "synod on synodality" process by engaging with students in listening sessions.

According to The Conversation, on Oct. 10, Pope Francis declared a “synod on synodality,” which is formally titled “Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church.” The process will last for two years and involves expanding the existing “Synod of Bishops.” 

Bishops all 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 and discuss how to move forward as a church that “journeys together.”

"We’re grateful for the young people of Yuma Catholic High School, Tucson’s St. Augustine High School and the parish communities of St. Luke, Immaculate Conception and St. Bernard in the area around Douglas, Arizona, who have taken part in #Synod2023," Synod Diocese of Tucson wrote in a Nov. 21 Facebook post. "Many more listening sessions – for schools and parishes – will take place this week across the diocese. Continue to pray for all those taking part in listening sessions, especially for the high schoolers, college students and young professionals who have so many gifts to share with the rest of the Church!"

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 came together to discuss and pray about issues that affected the whole Church. By the 16th century, these gatherings fell out of practice. 

According to a press release by Diocese of Tucsonis, the Diocese of Tucson invites participants to consider the following questions: “In our local Church, who are those who ‘walk together’? Who are those who seem further apart?” “How is God speaking to us through voices we sometimes ignore, especially people who experience poverty, marginalization, or social exclusion?” “How do prayer and liturgical celebrations actually inspire and guide our common life and mission in our community?” “To what extent do diverse peoples in our community come together for dialogue?” “What methods and processes do we use in decision-making?”