October 20, 2025 // Bishop

Bishop Shares Mission of Diocesan Synod at Moreau Seminary

Lisa Kochanowski

Assistant Editor/Reporter

“How are we living out the parable of the good Samaritan?”

This was the question posed by Bishop Rhoades during a recent visit with the men in formation at the Moreau Seminary and Scholasticate of the Holy Cross Congregation, United States Province of Priests and Brothers.

Photos by Lisa Kochanowski
During a visit to Moreau Seminary and Scholasticate, Bishop Rhoades discusses the diocesan synod with the men in formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross, United States Province of Priests and Brothers, on Monday, October 6.

Bishop Rhoades’ visit on Monday, October 6, began with Mass, which was followed by dinner and a talk on the diocesan synod. Priests, brothers, deacons, and temporarily professed had the opportunity to learn more about the process, timeline, research, mission, and purpose of this momentous event in our diocese.

In his homily at Mass, Bishop Rhoades spoke about the story of the good Samaritan. He discussed how this parable is a source of reflection on the work and goal of the synodal journey leading to Synod 2026: Spreading the Fire of God’s Love. The parable invites people to examine who their neighbor is and how to show mercy, love, and compassion.

“We have a duty to love and serve the sick, the poor, and the oppressed, the aging, and the imprisoned,” Bishop Rhoades said.

Bishop Rhoades offered a powerful and inspirational quote from Pope Francis.

“Today no one in our world feels responsible; we have lost a sense of responsibility for our brothers and sisters,” Pope Francis said in a 2013 homily in Lampedusa, Italy. “We have fallen into the hypocrisy of the priest and the Levite, whom Jesus described in the parable of the good Samaritan: We see our brother half dead on the side of the road, and perhaps we say to ourselves: ‘poor soul…!’ and then go on our way. It’s not our responsibility, and with that, we feel reassured, assuaged. The culture of comfort, which makes us think only of ourselves, makes us insensitive to the cries of other people, makes us live in soap bubbles which, however lovely, are insubstantial; they offer a fleeting and empty illusion which results in indifference to others; indeed, it even leads to the globalization of indifference. In this globalized world, we have fallen into globalized indifference. We have become used to the suffering of others: it doesn’t affect me; it doesn’t concern me; it’s none of my business!”

“Wow, strong and penetrating words,” said Bishop Rhoades, who sees the diocesan synod as an opportunity for an examination of conscience using the parable of the good Samaritan.

During his time as a delegate at the worldwide Synod of Bishops in Rome in October of 2023 and 2024, Bishop Rhoades said he experienced on a global level how the synod works. Through prayer and reflection, ideas and hopes for the mission of the universal Church were explored.

“It is important to keep in mind that synodality is not an end in itself,” Bishop Rhoades said. “It is a means of fulfilling the mission Jesus has entrusted to us. Our diocesan synod will focus on mission. Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will reflect together on one central question: How is the Church in our diocese called to live the mission of Christ today and in the years to come?”

Bishop Rhoades said this style of collaboration and reflection has inspired the 2026 diocesan synod. Using the theme Spreading the Fire of God’s Love, in consultation with various advisory councils, the synod will focus on five main areas in the life of the local Church: evangelization, catechesis, spiritual and liturgical life, outreach, and vocations.

Currently, the diocese is in the parish phase of the process that will run through the fall and winter. Bishop Rhoades has invited every parish to host a time of prayer to focus on what the parish is doing to live a shared discipleship. Reflection materials will be provided, inviting parishioners to pray and reflect. Groups will congregate for small-group dialogue sessions, managed by moderators, to share what the Holy Spirit revealed during the discernment time.

“We want to strengthen the vitality of all our communities, all to be focused on mission and all to be strong in faith and charism,” Bishop Rhoades said. “Are we truly a mission community of faith, hope, and charity?”

Bishop Rhoades noted that this style of dialogue allows for open conversation, respectful conversation, and an examination of spiritual conscience. It is a chance for churches to step back, take inventory of the great work already happening within the parish community, and identify other ways for growth. Throughout the process, all avenues of inclusion are being considered. Counselors with Catholic Charities are identifying ways to include the voices of those suffering with mental health issues, people who suffer from communication disabilities will be offered specialized accessibility, and all groups will be invited, including local college students. The men in formation with the Congregation of Holy Cross offered their services to aid the process in a participation or moderator capacity if needed.

After the parish phase, a special consultation phase will begin in spring 2026, offering a dedicated space to explore insights from those who might not participate in ordinary parish life.

Once the two preparatory phases are complete, the information will be gathered and shared with Bishop Rhoades and delegates who will come together for two separate weekends in the fall of 2026 to listen, pray, and discern God’s plan for the local Church, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the mission of Christ.

“My hope is this will bring new life to the diocese,” Bishop Rhoades said.

To learn more, visit diocesefwsb.org/synod