What is a synod, and how can I participate?

1. What is a synod?
In the Archdiocese of New Orleans, our synod is a time the archbishop calls his people together in order to reflect on God’s vision and priorities
for us as a local church.

2. Why did Archbishop Aymond convoke a synod?
Archbishop Aymond convoked the synod to provide an opportunity to listen to the needs, expectations, aspirations, concerns and potential
priorities for the work and ministry of our parishes and our church.

3. When was the last synod of the Archdiocese of New Orleans?
The last synod of the Archdiocese of New Orleans was from 1980 to 1987 under Archbishop Hannan.

4. What do we expect to complete at the end of the synod?
We expect, and prayerfully hope, that the people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans will engage in the consultative sessions and in the planning process so that we can develop an archdiocesan priority plan for the coming years.

5. What is the timeline for the synod?
The synod will begin at the Chrism Mass, April 15, and end on the Feast of Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2015.

6. Who can participate in the synod?
All Catholics in the Archdiocese of New Orleans are invited to participate in the synod.

7. Who is invited to participate in the consultative sessions?
All Catholics are invited to participate in the consultative sessions held in deaneries throughout the archdiocese. (See below for a list of dates of the consultative sessions.)

8. What if I cannot attend the consultative session for my deanery?
You can participate in any of the consultative sessions throughout the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

9. What can I do if I cannot attend any of the consultative sessions?
If you cannot attend any of the consultative sessions of the synod, you can complete the synod form and return it to Louann Hood, Department of Religious, 7887 Walmsley Avenue, New Orleans, LA, 70125; lhood@arch-no.org.

10. If I attend a consultative session, do I have to hand in a synod form?
You are encouraged to hand in a synod form at the end of the consultative session. Notes will be taken of what is said in the consultative sessions; however, your written form will assist the archdiocese in accurately capturing your ideas.

11. Will the information gathered at the consultative sessions be used?
Yes, Archbishop Aymond, the Synod Leadership Team, and the Ministry Focus Area Teams will review your input to set priorities for the Archdiocese of New Orleans for the coming years.

12. What will happen at the consultative sessions?
At the consultative sessions, Archbishop Aymond will begin with a prayer; he and the dean will listen to those present as they share their ideas and dreams for the archdiocese; attendees will have the opportunity to share in small groups in order to identify common themes and trends.

13. What questions will be asked at the consultative sessions?
Participants will be invited to reflect on the following questions at each consultative session?

➤ a. What does the Catholic community in New Orleans do well?

➤ b. What in our Catholic community in New Orleans can we improve upon?

➤ c. In the next 18-36 months, what do you see as three priorities that God may be calling the Archdiocese of New Orleans to consider in order to provide more effective ministry and pastoral care?

14. Whom should I contact if I have questions about the synod?

For questions about the synod, please contact the Department of Religious at (504) 861-6281 or email synod@arch-no.org.