Here's a brief update on recent developments following the synod, covering what we've accomplished, what we're currently working on, and what lies ahead...
The weeks of September brought several important events that demonstrate that the diocesan synod does not end with the publication of a final document or working papers included within it. Its proposals are gradually integrated into the ongoing life of the diocese and become the subject of shared reflection and concrete considerations about the future.
A significant milestone was the St. Wenceslas diocesan pilgrimage to Rome, which saw nearly 700 pilgrims from our diocese participate. During a meeting with the synodal delegates, Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, emphasized that the most important outcome of the synod is not primarily documents, but rather the experience of shared listening, prayer, and seeking. Subsequently, Bishop Tomáš Holub also met with Pope Leo XIV in a private audience. They discussed, among other things, the experiences of the Pilsen diocesan synod.
In the meantime, the proposals from the synod are also influencing discussions within diocesan bodies. At meetings of district vicars, the presbyteral council, the clergy day, and the diocesan pastoral council, there was discussion about potential changes in the organization of parishes. Diocesan leadership is considering a model of larger, regionally-based parishes that would bring together more local communities and create space for additional centers of activity. The purpose of such an arrangement is not to weaken the life of individual local communities and activities, but rather to create conditions for their long-term viability and mutual cooperation in a shared missionary endeavor.
The experiences of the French dioceses of Poitiers and Besançon, which our synodal documents also cite as examples, demonstrate that organizational changes can provide an opportunity to rethink the structure of parishes. These are currently considered directions and possibilities that need further development and joint discernment. Bishop Tomáš declared on the day dedicated to priests that he will dedicate himself intensively to this dialogue with priests, deacons, and other pastoral collaborators in the coming months. Similarly, various opportunities are being prepared for discussions on this topic with members of parish pastoral and economic councils, as well as other interested parties throughout the diocese.
The first instance of this kind was a meeting between members of the pastoral and economic councils of parishes in the Nepomuk region with the general vicar. If individuals from certain parishes, communities, or vicariates are interested in creating similar opportunities for collective reflection on how the proposals from the diocesan synod relate to them specifically, please contact the general vicar (hruska@bip.cz).
The shared journey, deepened by three years of experience in holding diocesan synods, continues. Now, the focus is on transforming the experience of synodal listening into concrete actions that will help our diocese better respond to the needs of people and more faithfully fulfill the mission of the Church in today's world.
There's no doubt that this will not be an easy journey. Therefore, we encourage everyone to continue praying, and each person can participate in their own way. Alternatively, you can join another prayer meeting as part of the "10+1" series, which will be held on October 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Přeštice, featuring Eastern-style prayers. Another meeting is scheduled for November 8, 2026, at 3:30 PM in Ostrov, where the local parish invites you to a worship prayer service.
Petr Hruška.
