In a recent communication to bishops worldwide, Cardinals Mario Grech and Jean-Claude Hollerich have detailed the forthcoming stages of the synodal process leading up to the second and final session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality scheduled for October 2024. The Synod's ongoing work involves reflection on the Synthesis Report released in October 2023, urging Churches globally to engage in further consultation and prepare contributions for the upcoming assembly.

The document, spanning four pages, emphasizes the invaluable experiences shared by participants in the first Synod session held in October of the current year. Cardinals Grech and Hollerich underscore that these accounts are an integral part of the collective insight gained, emphasizing the richness of an experience that transcends concise textual representation.

Pope Francis's emphasis on synodality, rather than fixation on specific themes, continues to guide the Synod's trajectory. The focus remains on how the reflection is conducted, emphasizing a synodal approach.

Specific themes identified for consideration at the level of the Universal Church and in collaboration with the Roman Curia include the updating of the Code of Canon Law for both the Latin Rite (CIC) and the Eastern Rites of the Church (CCEO). Other topics include the Ratio Fundamentalis on the formation of ordained ministers, "Mutuae Relationes" on the relations between bishops and religious, and theological and pastoral research on the diaconate, with a particular focus on women's admission.

A comprehensive list of these topics will be submitted to Pope, with experts from across continents collaborating with relevant Dicasteries of the Roman Curia to work on these themes in a synodal manner. Progress reports will be presented at the Synod.

In the coming month, discussions will center on the fundamental question of how to be a synodal Church in mission, aiming to identify paths and tools to enhance the unique contributions of each baptized individual and each Church in proclaiming the Gospel to the contemporary world.

This process goes beyond technical or procedural improvements, emphasizing a reflection on concrete forms of missionary commitment within the dynamic interplay of unity and diversity inherent to a synodal Church.

The guiding question of how to be a synodal Church in mission will be addressed at two levels: locally, focusing on co-responsibility in the mission of all members of the People of God, and globally, exploring the dynamic balance between the Church as a whole and its local roots in relations with the Bishop of Rome.

The Secretariat of the Synod urges each local Church to conduct further consultations, involving a diverse range of individuals and groups with varied experiences and skills, including theologians, canonists, and local academic institutions.

Contributions from Dioceses, Eparchies, Episcopal Conferences, and Oriental Churches' bodies are expected by May 15, 2024, forming the basis for drafting the Instrumentum laboris, the Synod's Working Document.

Local Churches are encouraged to review the Synthesis Report, identifying specific requests reflective of their unique situations. They are invited to share brief testimonies and good practices with their respective Episcopal Conferences, fostering a missionary synodal dynamism.

The Episcopal Conferences are tasked with studying the guiding question, summarizing contributions received, and sending reports to the General Secretariat of the Synod by May 15, 2024. They are also called to continue encouraging initiatives that promote the synodal and missionary dimensions of the Church, collecting and forwarding testimonies and good practices from Dioceses and Eparchies.