Bishop Kevin Rhoades announces Diocesan Synod for fall of 2026

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Fort Wayne- South Bend Diocese held an evening prayer service at Saint Matthew Cathedral Church where he announced that he would be leading a Diocesan Synod in the fall of 2026.

The synod is an opportunity for the faithful to reflect together on how the diocese is called to live the mission of Christ in the years to come.

It will discuss the five key areas of evangelization, catechesis, liturgical life, vocations, and outreach to the poor.

It's a big moment in the diocese as a synod hasn't been held for almost 100 years with the last one held in 1926.

"All the parishes will be involved, so there'll be meetings where people are discussing questions, but all that will then be submitted to me to the diocesan office, and we'll organize everything for the synod itself, which will be one of the sessions," explains Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades.

"We want to listen to and hear everybody, young and old, and all the different nationalities and men and women, and I think it's it should be a very fruitful experience for everybody. I'm very hopeful."

Session of the synod will take place in both South Bend and Fort Wayne with delegates from all 14 counties set to attend.