How is the diocese participating in this?

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 We will also reach out to include those who are no longer active in the faith, and those on the margins of the Church and society, that we may understand what distances them from the Church and how we might accompany them.