SYNOD LISTENING SESSIONS

The Diocese of Albany is excited to announce the beginning phase in the worldwide “Synod on Synodality” initiated by Pope Francis. The Diocese will coordinate regional listening sessions for its 126 parishes, at which everyone is encouraged to share their opinions on what they are looking for from today’s Church. The listening sessions will be hosted at a central location within each of the seven vicariates across the Diocese.  Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger will be in attendance, lead the opening prayer and spend time listening to the faithful. The sessions will be guided by a facilitator utilizing universal questions and provide the opportunity for small group breakout sessions.

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SAVE THE DATE

Dates and locations of each Vicariate Synod Listening Session:

March

Wednesday, March 9 – Beverwyck: Christ our Light in Loudonville

April 

Tuesday, April 19 – Leatherstocking: St. Mary’s in Oneonta

Wednesday, April 20 – Mohawk Valley: Holy Trinity in Johnstown

May

Thursday, May 19 – Twin Rivers: Immaculate Conception in Glenville

Tuesday, May 24 – Hudson Valley: Holy Trinity in Hudson

June

Wednesday, June 1 – Taconic: St. Michael the Archangel in Troy

Tuesday, June 28 – Adirondack: Our Lady of the Annunciation in Queensbury

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LISTENING SESSION FORMAT

4-5:30 p.m. Pastors/Parish Leaders (PLD & PLC)/Deacons

5:30-6:30 p.m. Dinner with Pastors/Parish Leaders (PLD & PLC)/Deacons

6:30-8:30 p.m. Open Session with the Public

It is encouraged that the host site holds Adoration starting at 6 p.m. prior to the open meeting at 6:30 p.m. Prayer is an essential component in the synod process and in preparing ourselves for this journey. Spending time in the presence of our Lord through the Blessed Sacrament will set the tone for the evening. 

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Parish or Parish Network listening sessions are highly recommended. The Diocese will provide the tools and resources needed for these more localized listening sessions. We are sure you have many questions and the Synod Committee and its various subcommittees are working diligently to provide more information. Please e-mail [email protected] with any questions.  Please also regularly check the Diocesan Synod Webpage at https://www.rcda.org/synod.