On this week’s episode of “Practicing Catholic,” Archbishop Bernard Hebda told “Practicing Catholic” radio show host Patrick Conley that the archdiocese will host two listening sessions in preparation for the Vatican synod on synodality that will resume in October 2024.
All Catholics are invited to attend one of the online sessions — Feb. 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. or Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
People can register for the listening sessions at archspm.org/vatican-synod-listening-sessions.
“The Holy Father wants us to be engaged in his Church,” Archbishop Hebda said. “There are benefits always from listening to our brothers and sisters, even when we might disagree.”
The archbishop told Conley that similar listening sessions will be held around the country at Pope Francis’ request. A national summary of the listening sessions will be submitted to the synod office in Rome.
The archbishop outlined “two basic questions” that the listening sessions will address.
“The Holy Father wants to know, basically, what are those things that are helping people in their faith journey, (and) what are those things that people see as obstacles?”
Archbishop Hebda emphasized the importance of listening as a key tenet of the sessions.
“Not everybody has the same theological training, or not everybody is at the same spiritual place, but we all have a responsibility for bringing forward our gifts (of the Holy Spirit),” the archbishop said. “That process of listening and discussing is huge.”
“I’m really hopeful that in our discussions we have that opportunity to be more cognizant of where the Holy Spirit might be moving the Church,” Archbishop Hebda said.
To hear Archbishop Hebda discuss the format and goal of the listening sessions, tune into “Practicing Catholic” when it airs at 9 p.m. Feb. 23 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, or when it repeats at 1 p.m. Feb. 24 and 2 p.m. Feb. 25.
Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes a discussion with Stillwater-based couple Dr. Mark and Molly Druffner about their work in Tanzania. Also, Father Joseph Johnson discusses spiritual warfare in Lent and provides encouragement to persevere in our Lenten commitments.
Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.
