Thank you to all those who took part in the Synod Listening Sessions that took place across the Diocese in the spring. Your voices were heard and the synod committee and the Diocese is grateful for all who shared their joys, obstacles and hopes and dreams for the future of the Church. The diocesan summary document is at the link below. From the beginning, the Vatican intended for the summary reports from individual dioceses to be combined with reports from other dioceses in their area to create regional reports. In Ontario our provincial summary was prepared by a committee of the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario (representing twelve arch/diocese and five eparchies) and their just completed document is also posted at the link below. What can be seen is that many of the themes we heard locally are echoed by the faithful across the province. People spoke about the joy and comfort they found in celebrating our faith and the sacraments, the sense of community they find in their local parish, the challenges of the clerical abuse and residential school scandals, the lack of young people, their hopes for greater outreach and welcome along with the many positive actions a united people of God can undertake for the good of all. You are encouraged to take a moment to read both documents. And our work is not over. Pope Francis said, “It is precisely this path of synodality which God expects of the Church in the third millennium.” Prayerfully guided by the Spirit, the Diocese of London will continue to work with all of you to journey together; sharing reflecting and listening over the coming months, and more, to shape the Church for the future. www.dol.ca/synod