Archdiocese of Mobile asks for your participation with Synod survey

October 6, 2021

By ROB HERBST
The Catholic Week
As Pope Francis invites all Catholics to have their voices heard leading up to 2023’s Synod of Bishops, the Archdiocese of Mobile is encouraging everyone to share their thoughts.
An eight-question survey will be available until Jan. 31 at mobarch.org. The questions center under the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participating and Mission.” Pat Arensberg and Janet Masline of the Archdiocese of Mobile’s Office of Evangelization and Family Life will compile the responses into a report that will be submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).
The USCCB will then submit a report for the Synod of Bishops, which will adopt a final document.
All dioceses across the globe are participating in the Synod, although it’s up to each diocese as to how to gather input.
Pastors throughout the Archdiocese of Mobile are also expected to share the survey with parishioners.
Said Arensberg: “There are parts of the world where the voices of the laity are on the margins, they are not being listened to and Pope Francis wants to make sure that all voices are being brought to the table. There’s a natural tendency for people who have power, who have authority, who are smart, even within the lay structure, to be the voices at the table. The Holy Father is saying you should kind of reflect and ask if all voices are at the table.
“I think that’s a good thing.”