As we came to the midpoint in the synod process, Pope Francis gathered us together on Oct. 17 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of synods. On that occasion he asked the bishops to keep in mind that not only do we need to listen to one another, but we also have to be leaders who listen to those we serve. As he put it, we have to be both an ecclesia docens (a teaching church) and ecclesia discens (a learning or listening church). Applying his direction to our work in the synod, the pope was telling us that as we relate to those we serve, not only are we teachers but learners and listeners. Having taught for many years at all levels of education, I know I always come away from my interactions with students having learned more than I taught. Perhaps those of you who have been teachers know what I mean. Students do push teachers to rethink, reformulate and reframe the information they are conveying, so that it is not only understandable, but also responsive to the questions and life experiences of students. The same has to be the case for leaders in the church. We do have a responsibility to teach, but also to listen and learn, so that we can benefit from the wisdom of those we serve. At the same time, this kind of listening to each other is about more than being attentive to the thoughts, convictions and opinions of other people. Rather, we listen to each other to discern where God is leading the church. Because of our faith that the Holy Spirit is at work in the church, in listening to each other, we are also listening to the Lord who works in us and through us. As a result, in addition to being an ecclesia docens (a teaching church) and an ecclesia discens (a learning church), as Pope Francis tells us, we are also an ecclesia discernens (a discerning church). In the Archdiocese of Chicago, I have tried to put that into practice by consulting with parishioners, either directly or through representative groups such as the Archdiocesan Pastoral, Women’s and Presbyteral Councils. Indeed, I learned a lot and used your feedback to shape my intervention at the synod, which was published in the last issue of the Catholic New World. During our three weeks of meetings in general assembly and in our small groups, we not only spoke but we listened to each other as bishops, knowing that we were hearing the voices of parishioners from around the world. The blessings and challenges of each part of the world were on full display and I came away from our sessions with a greater respect for all that is happening in the universal church. In the end, we learned to walk together and with Peter, as we came to agreement with the required 2/3 plurality on the entire text we presented to the Holy Father. His daily presence impressed upon us that we not only were with him (cum Petro), but under him (sub Petro). These have been historic days for the church. The Holy Father’s wish that we embrace a new way of being church, one that is synodal, one that emphasizes that we walk together, accompany, integrate and reconcile each other as the pilgrim people of God has become a reality. Yet, it is a reality that must grow and mature in the days, months and weeks ahead. I look forward to sharing more with you about the synod and what it means in future columns. But, for now, I want to thank you for keeping me, the synod Fathers and the Holy Father in your prayers. We needed them and felt the impact of them each day.