Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

These words of celebration are heard many times throughout the Easter season, but they were not the initial reaction experienced that Resurrection morning. When Mary Magdala approached the tomb of our Lord early that morning and found it was empty, her words to the Disciples were those of fear – “They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don’t know where they put him.” (John 20:2)

The entire Catholic Church is called to participate in “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”

The Synod opened in Rome on October 9, followed by the opening in each diocese on October 17. This process is calling together all the people of God – clergy, religious and laity – to listen, dialogue, discern and pray. The goal of the Synod is not to create a new pastoral plan, but rather to be present with each other, learn from each other, and grow closer to the Lord and His Church.