Dr. Deborah Wilhelm, adjunct professor and member of an international working group, expressed enthusiasm as their proposal on lay preaching was incorporated into the Vatican's latest document for the Synod "How to be a Missionary Synodal Church."

In March 2024, Dr. Wilhelm joined preachers and theologians from North America, Europe, and Asia in St. Louis for a synodal symposium. Titled "The Pastoral Charge for Lay Catholic Eucharistic Preaching," the gathering aimed to generate recommendations for lay preaching during Mass.

The symposium's outcome, "A Proposal for Lay Eucharistic Preaching to Further a Synodal Church in Mission," was submitted to the Vatican in early April. Its influence is now evident in the "Instrumentum laboris" for the Second Session of the Synod of Bishops, scheduled for October 2024.

The document includes language directly inspired by the symposium:

"Many of the demands expressed above also apply to laymen, whose lack of participation in the life of the Church is often lamented. In general, reflection on the role of women often highlights the desire to strengthen all the ministries exercised by the laity (men and women). There is also a call for adequately trained lay men and women to contribute to preaching the Word of God, including during the celebration of the Eucharist."

Reflecting on the working group's impact on the Synod's dialogue, Dr. Wilhelm stated, "This is such a rewarding outcome. While nobody knows the future, I am so gratified to have been part of this effort."