The Vatican’s General Secretariat of the Synod released a document on July 27 titled “Recollecting,” designed to help diocesan teams across the world evaluate their implementation of synodality and prepare for a major ecclesial assembly scheduled for October 2028.

Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the synod, framed the assessment as more than administrative review. “Evaluation is not a technical exercise but an experience of gratitude and truth,” he said in comments accompanying the document’s release.

Diocesan Phase and Preparation

The synodal process at the diocesan level began in October 2021, and the “Recollecting” phase marks a structured moment for local churches to take stock of their progress. Each diocese is required to prepare two documents: a narrative report on synodality implementation and a letter to other churches, reflecting on the journey so far.

Cardinal Grech emphasized the spiritual dimension of the review. “Recollecting means recognizing what the Lord has brought to maturity in the journey of our communities and allowing ourselves to be guided towards the next steps,” he said.

Four-Stage Pathway to 2028

The Vatican has structured the path to the 2028 assembly in four distinct phases. The current “Recollecting” stage runs through the first half of 2027, when diocesan reflections will be consolidated.

The second phase, “Interpreting,” will occur in the second half of 2027 and will involve broader theological and pastoral analysis of the diocesan input. The “Orienting” phase follows in the first four months of 2028, positioning the Church for the final stage: the “Celebrating” phase and ecclesial assembly itself in October 2028.

Addressing Local Challenges

The “Recollecting” document calls for candid discussion of obstacles encountered during the synodal journey. Diocesan teams are encouraged to examine challenges and resistance to synodal practices at the local level, acknowledging that implementation has not been uniform or without difficulty across the global Church.

Pope Leo XIV has emphasized dialogue and discernment as essential to the Church’s mission, themes central to the synodal process. The assessment phase underscores that commitment to honest evaluation of how synodality—the practice of walking together in discernment—has taken root in parishes and dioceses worldwide.

The 2028 assembly will represent the culmination of years of synodal work that Pope Leo XIV has called the Church to undertake as part of its renewal and mission in the modern world. The structured four-stage process ensures that diocesan voices inform the broader ecclesial conversation at the assembly.

CATEGORY: Vatican