Church leaders and theologians praise Pope Francis' apostolic constitution as a breakthrough for expanding the roles of laypeople, even while it remains unclear how the shift in church governance will take place.
Three large initiatives landed on the doorsteps of U.S. Catholic dioceses, parishes, congregations and organizations last fall. A recent Catholic Climate Covenant webinar explored the opportunities for collaboration.
The synod on synodality has aspirations to reshape the Catholic Church's ability to engage its members and revitalize its mission as a participatory, listening church, after decades marred by clericalism and abuse.
A new report by Leadership Roundtable recommends establishing national standards for financial management for dioceses across the U.S. It also calls for the church to invest in young adults interested in ministry.