As some of you know, the global Synod on Synodality–a discussion of Catholic experience across the world and at every level of the Church–concluded in October 2024. But far from an ending, the Church envisioned this as a beginning. Now parishes, schools and other Catholic organizations are prayerfully discerning ways forward after all we have seen and heard.

One of the many questions that surfaced in this synod is how to expand and support women’s leadership in the Church. To this end, my bishop and synod delegate, Cardinal Robert McElroy, commissioned a Women’s Advisory Committee to better understand the experiences of women in contexts of Catholic leadership in the Diocese of San Diego. The co-chairs of this committee were Dr. Mary Lyons and Chancellor Marioly Galván and I served as the social researcher. After a diocesan-wide census, a pastor survey, a survey of female leaders with both closed- and open-ended questions, and a key Committee meeting reflecting on the barriers, opportunities for enhancement, and ideas for ways forward in female Church leadership, we are pleased–at long last–to share the final report: Catholic Women in Leadership Study: Final Report. We share this not only to improve women’s leadership within our diocese, but also with the hope that it helps other dioceses think through the ways they might respond to the renewal called for in the synod, whether that be in relation to women’s leadership or any other prompting of the Spirit. You can also read about it’s coverage in National Catholic Reporter and listen on The Francis Effect: Illegal Deportations, Survey of Women in Ministry, Meghan Clark Interview (survey begins 35:20).

May we all be animated by communion, participation and mission!