The Roman Catholic Church will soon conduct the "Synod of Bishops" ceremony. As reported, the Archdiocese of New York already began its Diocesan phase as part of the synod preparations.

The event will be held in Rome in October 2023 with the theme, "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission." 

According to the Catholic New York (CNY), the Diocesan phase was opened on Sunday, Oct. 17. 

Archbishop Leads Opening of Diocesan Phase

CNY reported that Cardinal Timothy Dolan headed the start of the Diocesan phase. He is the current Archbishop of New York.

As mentioned, bishops across the universal Church joined him in the opening of the Diocesan phase. It will end in April 2022.

Cardinal Dolan bared that Pope Francis requested the gathering in order for Catholic churches to prepare and pray.

According to the report, the Diocesan phase will concentrate on communicating with God's people. 

Cardinal Dolan also relayed a message during his recent Sunday homily at St. Patrick's Cathedral. He stated that the Holy Father asks a favor for all Catholics to pray, listen, and discern during this period.

Furthermore, the Archbishop said that Pope Francis wishes people to examine themselves, even the Church. He added that this could help people "see if we're on the path Jesus has set" for the Church.

As reported, Brooklyn Auxiliary Bishop James Massa also served as one of the main concelebrants at the Mass. He is the rector of the Dunwoodie-based St. Joseph's Seminary.

Structure of God's Church

As per the report, Cardinal Dolan explained that the Church has a "divine origin."

He noted that despite its heavenly roots, the Church consists of "human membership."

"Yes, Jesus gave us a rather fluid blueprint about the structure of His Church," he reiterated. 

The Archbishop also stressed that God commanded the people to "teach the nations about him."

He explained that the organizational and authority style of the Catholic church has now grown and evolved.

But, he claimed that the Church continues to help the community while following God's teachings.

'We Are Loyal Catholics'

Based on the report, Cardinal Dolan asserted that parishioners are "loyal Catholics."

Furthermore, he reiterated that Pope Francis urged Catholics to assist him in nurturing the Church.

According to him, the Holy Father wants to maintain the Church in the way Jesus desires.

Meanwhile, Cardinal Dolan also thanked parishioners for taking up his invitation, the report said. He stated that this acceptance would allow them to start the work of synodality in the Archdiocese.

"Stay tuned for other invitations as the process continues," the Archbishop reminded Catholics.

About Archdiocese of New York

According to its website, the Archdiocese of New York is a multicultural community in the city. It reportedly supervises parishes in the boroughs of Staten Island, Manhattan, and the Bronx.

The Archdiocese also has authority over churches in Dutchess, Sullivan, and Rockland. Moreover, it serves Catholics in Putnam, Westchester, Orange, and Ulster counties.

With nearly three million Catholics in New York, the Archdiocese aims to share the Gospel truths with the world.

It also reportedly spearheads ministry, worship, and prayer services for the Catholic faithful. Additionally, the Archdiocese aspires to evangelize the Word of God through community work.

More from Crossmap:

Newark Archdiocese engages Catholic community through 'Vines and Branches' initiative