Frequently Asked Questions

The Synod is a decade-long process of prayer, listening, discernment, and renewal called by Bishop Edward J. Burns. It began on December 12, 2021, and seeks to strengthen the mission and ministries of the diocese.

He called the Synod in 2021 as a post-pandemic pastoral response to renew diocesan life, strengthen evangelization and formation, and prepare for expected growth across North Texas.

The synod spans from December 12, 2021, through December 12, 2031 — a full ten years of consultation, assembly, planning, implementation, and intended renewal. This ending in 2031 coincides with the 500^th anniversary of the appearance of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego.

Thirty listening sessions across the diocese engaged nearly 9,000 participants and produced more than 4,000 pages of feedback. Delegates were then appointed to meet December 1–4, 2024 to discuss and offer a consultative vote to our Bishop on the 376 resolutions that were shaped from feedback that was gathered through listening sessions.

The Post-Synod Pastoral Letter and the Synod Implementation Plan released, providing the spiritual vision and practical direction for diocesan renewal through 2031.

The resolutions reflect what was gathered through the Listening Sessions and discerned by Bishop Burns. Through the input of the Synod Assembly, these resolutions were voted on in a consultative way and prioritized for first action. The Pastoral Plan has organized these priorities into a coordinated structure of pathways, initiatives, and projects for diocesan action.

There are five pathways of renewal. These are the major areas of focus that will guide diocesan renewal efforts. The five pathways are:

• Pathway I: Celebrating the Sacraments
• Pathway II: Proclaiming the Gospel
• Pathway III: Strengthening Families and Individuals in Christ
• Pathway IV: Embracing Missionary Discipleship
• Pathway V: Practicing Faithful Stewardship and Governance

These Pathways will direct how ministries, parishes, and diocesan offices approach long-term planning. They are named from phrases in the new diocesan mission statement, promulgated in the Post-Synodal Pastoral Letter and Plan.

There are 16 initiatives and they are specific areas of renewal within the 5 Pathways. Each initiative will help carry out the goals of the synod in a focused and coordinated way. The 16 initiatives are each housed under a Pathway, and all are listed here:

Pathway I: Celebrating the Sacraments

Pastoral Initiatives: Liturgy; Sacramental Preparation & Life

Pathway II: Proclaiming the Gospel

Pastoral Initiatives: Engagement & Outreach; Solidarity & Support

Pathway III: Strengthening Families and Individuals in Christ

Pastoral Initiatives: Catechesis; Identity & Success of Catholic Schools; Prayer & Faith Formation

Pathway IV: Embracing Missionary Discipleship

Pastoral Initiatives: Culture of Vocations; Clergy Formation & Wellness; Lay Minister Formation

Pathway V: Practicing Faithful Stewardship and Governance

Pastoral Initiatives: Victims’ Assistance & Safe Environment; Governance; Facilities; Tribunal; Care for the Catholic Worker; Rapid Response

Each initiative in the pastoral plan includes one project to demonstrate early momentum and begin translating the synod’s vision into action in a clear and visible way. These projects may or may not be the first project completed in each initiative, and there will be other projects developed as results of the Synod Assembly.

Yes. Dozens of additional projects will begin over the next several years as necessary for the renewal of the diocese, according to what has emerged from the Synod Assembly. These projects will be identified as the implementation process for initiatives continues to develop.

Implementation begins immediately after the December 12, 2025 release of the Post-Synod Pastoral Letter and Pastoral Plan.

Several early-phase projects have already started, with additional projects beginning in 2026 and later.

It is a group of 36 clergy, religious, laity, and diocesan leaders appointed by the Bishop who offer consultation and support for the development and implementation of the Pastoral Plan.

Most initiatives will have their own Advisory Councils made up of clergy, staff, and lay leaders. These councils are being newly created as a result of the Synod and will assist in designing and supporting projects throughout the implementation phase. They will function under the Implementation Commission.

Their crucial involvement will involve local implementation efforts, feedback opportunities, training, and collaboration with diocesan offices. Their involvement will be important to the success of each initiative.

They will work for renewal in their entities according to the diocesan plan, communicate updates, and support formation or training. Their leadership will help ensure consistent adoption.

The diocese intends to share updates through official channels such as parish communications, diocesan websites, email updates, and leadership briefings.

Parishes may experience new or modified programs, updated formation approaches, or opportunities for training depending on when and how initiatives are adopted at their parish. Specific details will be shared as projects are announced.

Some initiatives may eventually lead to updates in these areas. Any changes will be communicated with clarity and supported by training for all affected.

Several initiatives will include efforts to strengthen discipleship and support for families, youth, and young adults. Details will be announced as projects develop.

Schools will work for renewal in formation efforts, leadership development, or collaborative initiatives that support Catholic identity and mission.

Training opportunities will be offered as initiatives unfold. These will be intended to help staff implement or modify programs or resources connected to the plan.

The diocese may use a mix of existing resources, strategic budgeting, and additional funding approaches. Specific plans will be shared as developed.

Yes. The diocese intends to share regular updates and progress reports throughout the implementation phase.

Parishioner participation is crucial to diocesan renewal. They may participate through prayer, ministry involvement or leadership, and engagement with parish-level opportunities connected to the initiatives. If parishioners are interested in assisting with this work, it is best to make oneself known with the parish and humbly begin serving where service is needed.

Yes, parishes will be invited to share feedback or data to support planning and evaluation. The diocese seeks to maintain an open and collaborative approach in renewal.

Opportunities to serve will be shared at the parish or diocesan level as projects unfold. Parish leaders can help direct those interested in assisting.

Some initiatives may include formation, gatherings, or workshops at the diocesan level. These opportunities will be communicated as they become available.

The plan seeks to renew the Church’s mission of bringing people to Jesus Christ and deepening discipleship. Specific efforts will be guided by the 5 pathways and 16 initiatives.

Some initiatives may include efforts that encourage discernment for priesthood, religious life, marriage, and lay leadership. These efforts will be announced over time.

The diocese anticipates long-term spiritual and pastoral renewal from this effort. Specific outcomes will depend on how projects develop and how parishes and schools adopt these initiatives individually, over time.

No. A diocesan synod cannot change doctrine. It focuses on pastoral priorities, ministry practices, and strengthening the life of the Church.

Any immediate changes will be communicated by parishes or the diocese. Most efforts will be introduced gradually through the Implementation Plan.

Structural changes may be considered as needs arise, but no specific changes are being announced at this time.

The diocese intends to provide periodic updates, share progress, and communicate key developments as the Implementation Plan unfolds.

Leaders may prepare through prayer, communication, and reviewing current ministries. More specific guidance will be available in early 2026, after the Plan is released.

Yes. The Implementation Plan will guide diocesan priorities for years to come. This is not a separate initiative but the primary direction for the diocese as a whole.

The vision is to bring people to Jesus Christ, and bring Jesus Christ to His people — renewing the Church’s mission across the Diocese of Dallas.

The Implementation Plan concludes on December 12, 2031, marking this historic anniversary. It symbolizes hope, renewal, and a renewed missionary spirit for the future.