Pope Francis has presented us with an extraordinary opportunity to speak out about the kind of Church we’d like to see today. It is our belief that his invitation to us to gather in small groups and share our stories offers far more hope for Church reform than even Vatican II back in the 60s. Pope Francis wants to hear from practicing Catholics, of course. But even more, he wants to hear from those who’ve walked away from the institutional Church, from other denominations, from men and women young and old. He wants to hear stories of how people have been hurt and what drove some away along with suggestions for how the situation(s) could have been better handled by the Church. We encourage you to join a synod offered by your bishop, pastor, or Small Christian Community. If none are being offered in your community, then consider starting your own.