Archdiocesan Synod Implementation
In 2019, Archbishop Hebda initiated a Synod process grounded in parish life and intended to discern and establish clear pastoral priorities to promote greater unity and a more vigorous proclamation of the Good News in the Archdiocese. The Synod process began with Prayer and Listening Events at parishes, including St. Pascal's, during 2019-2020 and Parish Consultation in the fall of 2021. An Archdiocesan Synod Assembly followed in June 2022, at which 40 Synod Propositions coming out of the Listening Events and Consultation were discussed and voted on by members of the Assembly.
In November 2022, Archbishop Hebda published his Post-Synodal Pastoral Letter, "You Will Be My Witnesses," to the Faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. In his Pastoral Letter, the Archbishop shared his thoughts about the Synod process and how to begin the work of Synod implementation.
To that end, the Archbishop, among other things, asked pastors to form a Synod Evangelization Team (SET) for each parish to assist the pastors in implementing Synod Priorities for the parish in the future. In December 2022, Fr. John Mitchell formed the SET for the parish of St. Pascal Baylon (composed of Jaci Bush, Julie Moore, Deacon Rich Moore, Kim Roering, John Scanlon, and Mary Weyandt) to assist him in developing and implementing at the parish level the Synod Priorities.
The Archbishop established one Synod Priority at the parish level for each of the next three years. The Synod Priorities for the next three years are:
- Year 1 (July 2023 - June 2024): Small Groups
- Year 2 (July 2024 – June 2025): The Mass
- Year 3 (July 2025 - June 2027): Reclaiming Sundays and Parents as Primary Educators
If you have questions about the Synod Implementation at St. Pascal's, please contact
Fr. John Mitchell, or
Kim Roering, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation.
Synod Implementation at St. Pascal's in Year 3 (July 2025 - June 2027)
Synod Priority for Year 3 - Reclaiming Sundays and Parents as Primary Educators
Due to the importance and breadth of the Synod Priority for Year 3, Archbishop Hebda has indicated that Year 3 of the Synod Implementation will actually span two years. The first year or Year 3A (July 2025 – June 2026) will focus on Reclaiming the Lord’s Day, that is, recovering Sundays as a day for the Lord and family. During this time, St. Pascal’s and other parishes in the Archdiocese will be supporting their members and families in rediscovering Sunday as a day of worship, rest, and renewal in ways that are simple, meaningful, and rooted in daily life. Each month (beginning in September), parishes will draw from a thematic guide to help parents and families, and all parish members take practical steps to live out the Lord’s Day more fully – whether through prayer, acts of mercy, shared meals, or spiritual reflection.
Year 3A – Reclaiming the Lord’s Day
On the last weekend of each month during Year 3A, St. Pascal’s will include as an insert in the bulletin an excerpt from the guide “Reclaiming Sundays” with the coming month’s theme and sample activities. Copies of the complete guide will be available to parishioners at the kiosk in the Gathering Space and the entrances to the church, or download an electronic version (in pdf format) of the complete "Reclaiming Sundays" monthly guide.
Archdiocesan Synod Implementation Year 3A FAQs
Synod Implementation at St. Pascal's in Year 2 (July 2024-June 2025)
Synod Priority for Year 2 - The Mass
Synod Implementation at St. Pascal’s in Year 1 (July 2023 – June 2024)
Synod Priority for Year 1 – Small Groups
Synod Year 1 Small Groups FAQs
Read more about the Archdiocesan Synod.