Q410 – Is the use of small groups a recent innovation under Pope Francis, or was it also used by previous post-conciliar popes?

Interview Organization: Confraternity of Our Lady of Fatima

Interviewer Name: Christopher P. Wendt

Date: January 13, 2026

Bishop Schneider criticizes the use of small-group discussions in Church synods, calling it an innovation that limits transparency and effectiveness. He argues it diminishes the dignity of bishops and Cardinals and prevents open expression before the Pope, urging a return to traditional plenary sessions.

If you like what we do and want to regularly support our mission to build the Reign of Mary and/or assist the episcopal ministry of Bishop Athanasius Schneider, please consider becoming a Servant of Mary.

It is an innovation because traditionally, from the beginning of Church councils and synods, the bishops met in plenary sessions so that everyone could hear one another. This was more transparent and also more effective for making decisions, bearing in mind the real possibility of hearing the other bishop, who is a member of the magisterium of the Church.

Pope Francis introduced meetings in small groups around tables, dispersed, and only afterward would they refer to the plenary assembly. The results could be seen, but it was not possible to hear everyone who spoke in the small groups. Only the leader of the small group would present a summary or synthesis.

I think this is not very effective and not fitting for the structure of the Church or for the dignity of the episcopate, in this case, the Cardinals, to express themselves freely in front of everyone and the Pope. Also, the Pope was usually present, though not always. This, I think, is a weakness of this new method.

The traditional method of plenary meetings should be restored, where the most necessary topics for the life of the Church can be discussed openly.

Question/ Title

Q424 – What advice can you offer for evangelizing to a Muslim friend who is open to learning about Catholicism but has not yet converted?

Q423 – If someone prays multiple rosaries daily, is it necessary to pray the Hail Holy Queen after each one?

Q422 – Is it acceptable to attend Mass at an SSPX chapel, even though some believe the Society does not fully recognize the Pope?

Q421 – If a priest thinks a confessed sin is not actually a sin, is the penitent still absolved, or should they confess it again to another priest?

Q420 – Is it a good practice to try to confess all venial sins, or should one focus only on the more serious or frequent ones?

Q419 – If one has no mortal sins, what types of venial or daily sins should be confessed?

Q418 – Is it appropriate for a woman to serve as a lector in the sanctuary during Mass, or should this role be limited?

Q417 – How could a community find a priest willing to come and offer the Traditional Latin Mass when the local bishop does not allow it?

Q416 – What practical warnings or guardrails should the faithful keep in mind when using AI like ChatGPT?

Q415 – Could you recap the Church’s traditional teaching on just war, and possibly illustrate it with a current example?