Connor Helson, a college student who is a member of the Diocese of Lansing, spoke in a video this week on the diocese's Facebook page about the synodal conversations he has started with other students on his campus. 

In his "Synod in a Minute" video, Helson expressed that he has had positive experiences with the conversations and encourages others to not be afraid. The diocese offers a Synodal Conversation Guide, available on its website, for those who wish to pursue these conversations. 

"So far I've invited seven people to synodal conversations about the Catholic faith," he said. "I actually invited people I'd never met before on campus. It's not easy for everybody, but I believe God's given me a gift to talk to strangers about the faith. I pray first and ask God to show me who to talk to." 

The Conversation Guide will help those who would like to talk with someone who is struggling with their faith. The guide contains inquiries about both positive and negative experiences a person may have had with the Church; along with questions such as, "How could the Catholic Church better help you grow closer to Jesus Christ and His Church?" It provides a roadmap on how to discuss such things. 

Helson has used it to guide him on his mission.

"I think that these questions really promote people to being more open to talking about their faith, as well as giving us an idea of why they may have fallen away from the Catholic Church," he said.

"Synod" comes from a Greek word that means "coming together" or "traveling together," a report on TheConversation.com said. In the Catholic Church, the Synodal tradition began with ancient Christian leaders who would meet to discuss and pray about issues that affected the Church as a whole. By the 16th century, such gatherings happened less and less frequently. As a result, one of the goals of the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) was to reemphasize bishops' roles as leaders in their communities and encourage greater communication and cooperation among bishops.

Pope Francis declared late last year it was time for "Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church," The Conversation said. Bishops have been directed to consult with monks, nuns, parishioners and lay people in order to foster more openness and transparency within the Church. The process is designed to last for two years, after which the bishops will meet in 2023 to discuss how to move forward as a church that "journeys together."