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Synod Timeline

The diocesan synod process will begin on December 12, 2021 on the feast of our Lady of Guadalupe which is strategically placed 10 years before the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to San Juan Diego.

The Diocesan synod process will include significant time for listening sessions in the parishes of the Diocese.  These listening sessions will be facilitated by the diocesan preparatory commission which will be responsible for proposing the preparatory documentation for the synod.

The multi-day synod event will take place in 2024 close to the 90th anniversary of the 1934 synod.  The years following the Synod will be utilized for implementation of the approved resolutions. This time will be used also to focus on the spiritual, pastoral, and temporal renewal of the Diocese.

The pastoral plan will conclude on December 12, 2031 with a large Mass to celebrate the 500th anniversary of our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance to San Juan Diego and the conclusion of this decade long journey of faith and revitalization.

DETAILED SYNOD TIMELINE

2021-2031
February 19, 2021
Bishop Burns Calls for Diocesan Synod

Bishop Edward J. Burns announces a diocesan synod through his pastoral letter, “The Journey Through Lent, Easter, Ascension and Pentecost: Diocesan Synod and Post-Pandemic Plan for the Diocese of Dallas”

November 30, 2021
Nov 30, 2021 - Feb 15, 2022
Preparatory Phase

The preparatory phase of the diocesan synod gets under way with a series of catechetical sessions throughout the Diocese of Dallas.

December 12, 2021
Opening Mass

The diocesan synod process formally begins on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patroness of the Diocese of Dallas, with a Mass and accompanying celebration.

Early 2022
Feb 2022 - Dec 2023
Listening Sessions

From February 1, 2022 — December 1, 2023 the diocese will hold a series of listening sessions throughout the nine counties that comprise the Diocese of Dallas

2024
Date TBA
Multiday Synod Meeting

A multiday synod meeting takes place where the synod body will discuss the response of the lay faithful and vote on resolutions. Bishop issues document reflecting upon actions of the diocesan synod.

2024-2031
Implementation

From 2024 — 2031, Bishop Burns will oversee the implementation of diocesean synod resolutions.

December 12, 2031
Closing Mass

Celebration of the 500th anniversary of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a Mass.