August 2025
The
COURIER
Official Newspaper of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Winona-Rochester, MN | dowr.org
A Mission in Totus Tuus About the Synod
Frequently Asked Questions
By NICOLE WENINGER
By BRIAN KUSEK
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What is a diocesan synod?
his summer, many of the Immaculate Heart of Mary seminarians have been in various locations throughout the Diocese of WinonaRochestr spreading God’s love and teaching his word to youth at the summer program Totus Tuus (Latin for "Totally Yours"). According to Jacob Fiala of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester, he and his fellow missionaries teach the children through songs and games. During daily classes, they also get to teach them about the sacraments and the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. He shares:
A diocesan synod is a gathering convened by the bishop to assist him in the governance of the diocese. By bringing together people with different backgrounds from across the local Church, the synod can aid the Bishop in identifying key priorities and initiatives to consider when setting a course for pastoral ministry. Put another way, it is an exercise of the bishop’s episcopal ministry meant to “promote acceptance of the Church’s salvific doctrine and to encourage the faithful in their following of Christ” (Instruction on Diocesan Synods, 1997, 3).
I could not be more grateful to have had this opportunity as a Totus Tuus missionary. The witness to the faith that the youth display greatly inspires me, giving me much hope for the future of the Church. Through their witness and God's abundant grace, I have fallen more in love with the priesthood and am truly living to be totally God's through the hands of our Blessed Mother.
Mateo Pascual of the Diocese of Peoria found this experience to be a profound step in his formation. He stated:
Why have a synod now?
Jacob Fiala, a DOW-R seminarian, in costume, engages children as a Totus Tuus missionary.
Totus Tuus, cont'd on pg. 6
While the Code of Canon Law suggests that a diocesan synod should be held regularly, the frequency varies based on the needs of particular dioceses. The first diocesan synod in the Diocese of Winona-Rochester was held in 1950, and we have not held one since. In the last ten years, we’ve seen a national downward trend in Mass attendance and priestly vocations. Bishop Barron is eager to resolve these crises in the local church by listening to the needs and desires of the people in his care.
Synod, cont'd on pg. 6
INSIDE this issue
Visitors from Luxembourg pages 8-9
A Catholic Tour of Southern Minnesota page 10
Catholics Heed the Call page 12