Letter by Bishop Burbidge on XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
October 14, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you may know, the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops gathers in Rome in October 2023 entitled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” In preparation for the synod, the Holy See asks that every diocese undertake its own synodal process of local consultations. I have asked Reverend Donald Planty, Pastor of Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, to coordinate this process and he will be assisted by a “synodal team.” This effort will focus on consultations with parishes and other local institutions during the late fall and winter and the results will be gathered into a report that I will present to Rome.
This phase of the Synod begins world-wide with Masses in diocesan cathedrals this Sunday, October 17. I will celebrate the Mass of the Diocesan Opening of the 2023 Synod of Bishops at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More on that day.
Also, I encourage all the faithful of our Diocese to pray for the success of our diocesan consultations, using the attached prayer. With the grace of God, I look forward to seeing the fruits of our common efforts as a diocesan church, in union with the Church throughout the world
Please be assured of my prayers for you. Through the intercession of Mary our Mother and Saint Joseph, may Our Lord Jesus bless you and fill you with his peace.
ADSUMUS, SANCTE SPIRITUS PRAYER
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge
Bishop of Arlington