We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.

With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;

Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.

Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.

Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.

All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever.

Amen.

The Synod of Bishops is a general assembly of bishops who advise the Pope on governing the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has divided the Synod of Bishops into two sessions, one in October 2023 and the second in October 2024. The theme of the synod is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission”. The goal of the synodal process is to engage key stakeholders in a non-confrontational approach to making major decisions. The synod was initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021. Catholics were asked to submit feedback to their local dioceses on the question “What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our ‘journeying together?’”. The synodal process will conclude in 2024.