Last fall, the Diocese of Syracuse filed for protection under chapter 11 of title 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to ensure that assistance is provided to all victims for past abuses. Let us continue to pray for healing as we move forward from this dark and painful chapter in the history of the Church.
In his pastoral letter, Bishop Lucia announced that the diocese would hold a synod in the coming years. The process, spelled out in canon law, provides a bishop with an opportunity to work together with the people of the diocese to create communion, reform, and improve pastoral organization and coordination. Bishop Lucia foresees that this process will give the people of the Diocese to provide input as we look together at “the already and not yet.” Other dioceses in the United States have found the process to be very rewarding. These synodal experiences have helped dioceses celebrate their past accomplishments, chart a course out of crisis and facilitate communion between a new bishop and his people. Additionally, they have helped local Churches recommit to the work of mission and evangelization as they proclaim the “joy of the Gospel” before the world.