Vatican Releases Resource to Help Local Churches Prepare for 2027 Synod Evaluation Assemblies

VATICAN CITY, July 28, 2026 (CBCI): The General Secretariat of the Synod has released a new resource titled Recollecting: Accompanying the Preparation of the Local Church's Evaluation Assembly to guide Bishops, Eparchs and diocesan synodal teams in preparing for the Local Church Evaluation Assemblies scheduled for the first half of 2027.

Published on July 27, the document provides practical guidance to help dioceses and eparchies reflect on the implementation of the Synod and discern the fruits of the synodal journey. Rather than prescribing a single model, it offers flexible guidelines that can be adapted to the pastoral needs of each local Church.

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, described the evaluation process as "not a technical exercise, but an experience of gratitude and truth," inviting local Churches to recognise how the Holy Spirit has guided their synodal journey and to discern the path ahead.

The resource is divided into two complementary sections. The first assists local Churches in preparing a narrative report by gathering experiences and testimonies from the synodal journey while reflecting on growth in relationships, ecclesial life and pastoral processes. The second section provides guidance for organising the Local Church Evaluation Assembly, convened by the Bishop as a spiritual gathering centred on prayer, listening, shared reflection and Conversation in the Spirit.

Following the Assembly, each local Church will prepare a narrative report and a Letter to the Other Churches, sharing its synodal experience, future commitments and a message of hope. After the Bishop's approval, both documents will be submitted through the national or regional synodal team to the General Secretariat of the Synod by June 30, 2027.

The local evaluation phase will lead to assemblies of Bishops' Conferences and Eastern Catholic hierarchical structures later in 2027, followed by continental assemblies in early 2028. The synodal process will culminate in the Ecclesial Assembly at the Vatican in October 2028, bringing together the fruits of the journey undertaken by local Churches across the world.

News Credits: Vatican News