Our sincere thanks to Mark Guevarra for joining us on January 12, 2022, to discuss the origins, processes, and possibilities of the 2023 synod on synodality. Mark’s presentation explored the history of synodality, Pope Francis’s vision for a synodal church, and some of the internal work we can all do in preparation for participation in the synod. We also discussed the synod as a prophetic sign of unity, communion, and fraternity so essential to our church and civic spaces today. We are pleased to share a recording for those who were unable to attend or who may wish to revisit the discussion. Links to other resources of interest—including Mark’s notes for the event, which he has graciously made available to us—are listed below. Note that the brief introduction to the event was unfortunately not recorded, so we’ve added Mark’s bio below for reference. Thank you also to the Democratic Socialists of America’s Catholic Subgroup, an affiliate of the DSA’s Religion & Socialism Working Group, for cosponsoring this event with us.

• Official Synod 2021–2023 website
• “Synodality in the Life and Mission of the Church,” a 2018 study by the International Theological Commission
• Synod resources and information from Voice of the Faithful
• Mark’s notes for the event with additional resources

Mark Guevarra (he/him) was born in Vancouver, Canada. He was raised in a devout Catholic family and attended Catholic schools through the 12th grade. He has served as an educator, college instructor, and pastoral associate with a special focus on LGBTQ+ ministry. He is currently completing his doctoral studies at the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, California, where he is completing a dissertation on synodality. He is a member of Call to Action’s 2020 Re/Generation Cohort.