A new phase for the synod
Diocese of Dallas Synod Implementation Commission
With great joy and anticipation, the Diocese of Dallas continues the journey of our diocesan synod, moving from the phase of discernment and preparation to action and implementation. To achieve this goal, Bishop Edward J. Burns established the Synod Implementation Commission, a dedicated group of 37 individuals who will play a pivotal role in bringing the fruits of our synod to life in the Diocese.
This diverse commission is made up of clergy and laypeople from across the Diocese of Dallas, each offering their unique gifts, expertise, and lived experiences. By bringing together voices from various ministries and communities, the Synod Implementation Commission offers perspective to Bishop Burns to help him establish a vision from the synod that reflects the needs and hopes of the Church in the Diocese of Dallas. Key senior staff members from the pastoral center also join the commission, as Bishop Burns begins to integrate the vision from the synod with the current work of the diocese.
The task before the Synod Implementation Commission is both significant and exciting. Commission members are charged with carefully reviewing the outcomes of the Synod Assembly held in December 2024, assisting Bishop Burns as he discerns which initiatives should be implemented, and offering best practices and timelines for doing so. Their work is guided by prayer, collaboration, and a commitment to the ongoing renewal of our diocesan Church.
But this is not a short-term effort. The commission will continue to provide guidance and support over the next six years, ensuring that the synod’s vision is not only set in motion but remains a dynamic and evolving response to the needs of the faithful. New members will be appointed periodically to continue the work until the conclusion of the formal synod implementation process in 2031. However, true synodality is not a one-time event; it is a way of walking together as a Church, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit at every step.
As we enter this new chapter, I sincerely invite you to continue to pray for Bishop Burns in his discernment, the success of this commission, and for the ongoing renewal of our diocese. May we remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, steadfast in our faith, and committed to building a Church that reflects the love and mission of Christ.
May God bless this work, and may we continue to walk in faith and unity.
Diocese of Dallas Synod Implementation Commission Members
