Pope Francis has called the entire People of God to journey together by participating in the upcoming Synod of Bishops. This Synod is entitled: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.” Clergy, religious and laity together are called to listen to each other’s joys and hopes, and griefs and anxieties (c.f. Gaudium et Spes no. 1).
The “goal” of this journeying together is not to create a new vision or pastoral plan with objectives. Rather, the goal of our journeying together is to be present with one another, to listen and learn with each other, and to grow closer to the Lord and His Church.
"The mission of the church requires the entire People of God to be on a journey together, with each member playing his or her crucial role, united with eachother..." (Vademecum 1.3)