I doubt there is any sort of formal appeal process since this process isn't mandated by canon law.
In the past, I would say to write a letter to the diocesan newspaper, but it looks like that doesn't exist anymore!
Maybe the starting point is to write a letter or email to the chancery asking what the diocese's plans are, in light of these documents that are being published by the Vatican?
The USCCB also has a web page discussing these preparatory documents, so this is not something that would be unknown to the bishops: https://www.usccb.org/synod
While the faithful don’t necessarily have input in the pope’s decisions on the selection of bishops, I will certainly pass along your suggestion at the Diocese in case this could assist in the process.
On an unrelated note, I enjoy chatting with your sister Julia and brother Brian whenever I see them!
Whew. The dancing analogy is good, Matthew. I will be interested to hear if anyone has diocesan experience of a successful process in becoming synodal. In my diocese to be a participant in the process one has to belong to one of the participating parishes. None of the parishes I have been familiar with in my driving days has been participating in the diocesan version of synodal formation, a version different from the Vatican vision. The diocese is using a program called Parish Evangelization Cell System (PECS). I don't know how it relates to forming synodality. IMO, we need a massive faith formation program for adults to construct a coherent religious narrative before we can become synodal. What is the music we are hearing? Is it a waltz, a polka, a two step? The Vatican might think we have all been using the Pontifical Council's 2020 Directory for Catechesis and have that coherent narrative. Of course, I may be way out of step!
You raise a good point, the Vatican seems to presume that the message is getting out to dioceses and parishes, and these planning documents don't really take into consideration situations where people are not receiving the message, or as in your case, where a different message is being presented.
We do not have a “Synodal Team” here in the Diocese of Manchester, N.H.
If our bishop, Peter Libasci, does not appoint one, is there any appeal available?
I doubt there is any sort of formal appeal process since this process isn't mandated by canon law.
In the past, I would say to write a letter to the diocesan newspaper, but it looks like that doesn't exist anymore!
Maybe the starting point is to write a letter or email to the chancery asking what the diocese's plans are, in light of these documents that are being published by the Vatican?
The USCCB also has a web page discussing these preparatory documents, so this is not something that would be unknown to the bishops: https://www.usccb.org/synod
Maybe others can share other ideas?
Dear Matthew,
Here are copies of some action which I have tried:
William Horan
nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org
Dear Archbishop Caccia,
Enclosed is a request which I made to my diocese [diocese of Manchester, N.H.]
Is there anything you can do to help us get a new bishop who will help us set up a synodal church?
William Horan
tbishop@rcbm.org;parishoffice@stasta.org
Ms. Tara Bishop
Director of Communications
Dear Tara,
I understand that Bishop Libasci will be submitting his resignation this year on his 75th birthday.
I suggest that the diocese sponsor a synodal discussion group to discuss the qualities which the people would like to see in our next bishop.
Peace, William Horan
CC: Fr Shawn Therrien
Sun 5/31/2026 2:32 PM
Tara Bishop<tbishop@rcbm.org>
You;parishoffice@stasta.org
Thank you for your email, Mr. Horan.
While the faithful don’t necessarily have input in the pope’s decisions on the selection of bishops, I will certainly pass along your suggestion at the Diocese in case this could assist in the process.
On an unrelated note, I enjoy chatting with your sister Julia and brother Brian whenever I see them!
All the best,
Apostolic Nunciature<nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org>
You
Dear Mr. Horan,
Thank you for your email.
Your message has been received and its contents duly noted. We appreciate your taking the time to bring this matter to our attention.
Thank you again for writing. Please be assured of our best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Whew. The dancing analogy is good, Matthew. I will be interested to hear if anyone has diocesan experience of a successful process in becoming synodal. In my diocese to be a participant in the process one has to belong to one of the participating parishes. None of the parishes I have been familiar with in my driving days has been participating in the diocesan version of synodal formation, a version different from the Vatican vision. The diocese is using a program called Parish Evangelization Cell System (PECS). I don't know how it relates to forming synodality. IMO, we need a massive faith formation program for adults to construct a coherent religious narrative before we can become synodal. What is the music we are hearing? Is it a waltz, a polka, a two step? The Vatican might think we have all been using the Pontifical Council's 2020 Directory for Catechesis and have that coherent narrative. Of course, I may be way out of step!
You raise a good point, the Vatican seems to presume that the message is getting out to dioceses and parishes, and these planning documents don't really take into consideration situations where people are not receiving the message, or as in your case, where a different message is being presented.