Ways to Pray for the Synod, happening now!

SCHEDULE OF THE SYNOD ASSEMBLY
• On September 30, an ecumenical vigil of prayer with young adults will take place in St. Peter’s Square.
• On October 1, the bishop, clergy, religious, and lay delegates will begin a 3-day retreat.
• On October 4, Synod meetings will begin, concluding on October 29.

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.

Novena of prayer:
If you’d like to pray more intensively, you could consider offering a novena of prayer at any point during the Synod. An appropriate time might be during the last days of the Synod, October 21-29. You could include the Synod in the Prayer of the Faithful at Mass, and pray the Adsumus prayer each day with the assembly. You might designate a special intention for each day, for example:
October 21 – For all who believe in Christ
October 22 – For those on the margins
October 23 – For the poor
October 24 – For young people
October 25 – For catechumens and those who are searching for Christ
October 26 – For non-practicing Catholics
October 27 – For the delegates participating in the Synod, especially Archbishop Etienne
October 28 – For the Holy Father
October 29 – For the Holy Church