Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Synod of Bishops is examining institutional changes to enhance synodality within the Catholic Church. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich emphasized the importance of sharing the experience of synodality with all church members, warning against keeping it as a privilege rather than a service. "If we keep this treasure only for ourselves, we transform it into a privilege," he stated on October 15 during discussions on the third part of the synod's working document.

This section, titled "places," focuses on promoting synodality by encouraging attentive listening and cooperation among church members. It considers various contexts for relationships within the church, rooted in faith while resisting universalism. Cardinal Hollerich highlighted the need for those not present at the synod to experience synodality through church renewal, stating that the goal is to propose instruments to facilitate this.

The 368 synod members are set to discuss this section until October 18, with the final week dedicated to amending and approving a concluding document. Voting on this document will occur on October 26, followed by a closing Mass on October 27.

Benedictine Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini urged members to recognize faith's connection to specific cultural influences while noting Jesus' transcendence beyond cultural boundaries. She remarked, "If the 'place' of the church is always a concrete space-time of gathering, the journey of the Gospel in the world goes from threshold to threshold."

Cardinal Hollerich also addressed modern relationships formed online and their impact on fulfilling the mission of proclaiming the Gospel. He questioned how institutions must adapt to serve in today's context: "What does this mean for the fulfillment of our mission of proclaiming the Gospel?" he asked. "In what ways must we rethink our institutions 'in the logic of missionary service,' which takes place in a different context than in the past?"