Diocesan synods are called by the bishop of the diocese for the purpose of introducing, deliberating on, and promulgating statutes regarding matters pertaining to the members of the diocese. While technically required once a year, diocesan synods are traditionally held less often and at the convenience of the bishop. The bishop convokes a synod, forms statutes or decrees addressing matters of the faith or discipline of the clergy within the diocese, distributes the statutes to the priests and clergy of the diocese, then holds the synod so that the proposed statutes may be discussed. While the bishop is the final authority in creating and enacting these statutes, he consults with and is advised by his chapter, and hears and considers the opinion of the clergy during the synod.

In the Archdiocese of Newark, a synod was held in 1941 by Archbishop Thomas J. Walsh to address several matters including, but not limited to, the hours of mass, the interaction of parish pastors with hospital chaplins, and priests' ownership of cars. The statutes and decress considered at this synod were drafted by a committee of priests of the diocese. The synod began with a prepatory session on 30 April 1941 and was concluded with a solemn session on 3 June 1941.