Reflections on Representing Diocese at Jubilee for Synodality
by John Gaffney | October 27, 2025
“For I know well the plans I have in mind for you.” - Jeremiah 29:11
From a Methodist boy growing up on the east side of Des Moines to representing the Diocese of Des Moines—along with my wife, Jane—at the Jubilee Celebration for Synodality, joined by more than 1,000 clergy and laity from dioceses around the world, I can truly say that God has had plans for me beyond anything I could have imagined.
It all began in 1979 when my friend Julie and I went to Living History Farms to see Pope St. John Paul II. I thought that would be the only time I’d ever see a living pope, even though he was a great distance away in the field. Three popes later, I now find myself meeting Pope Leo XIV in the Pope Paul VI Hall in Vatican City.
Although that is a great privilege, I bring to this gathering the memories of accompanying youth and young adults in their encounters with Jesus during my 29 years as a lay ecclesial minister—23 of those years focused on youth ministry. I remember the freezing cold temperatures when Jane and I slept outside in a cardboard box at Reggie’s Sleepout to raise awareness about teen homelessness. I remember 12 NCYCs, countless Teens Encounter Christ and other retreats. I remember teaching middle school religion, as well as crying and praying with teens when they learned a classmate had died of a drug overdose. I remember World Youth Day in Poland in 2016, when Jane and I had the honor of leading a group of 63 young adults and priests in an experience of Church like no other.
Synodality means “walking together.” It’s a way of being Church where everyone has a voice—not because everyone votes on doctrine, but because everyone’s lived experience helps the Church discern where the Holy Spirit is leading.
In a sense, I’ve been living synodality my entire Catholic life. That’s why the passage from Jeremiah remains as alive today as when it was written: we do not know the plans God has for us. Yet, by listening and engaging in dialogue, we can better chart the course for our parishes and our Diocese.