Synod on Synodality
1. What Is the Synod on Synodality?
“For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”
Pope Francis, and now his successor, Pope Leo XIV, has invited the entire Church to take part in a journey of listening and discernment known as the Synod on Synodality.
The word “synod” means “walking together.” This global process invites every member of the People of God — laity, clergy, and religious — to pray, listen, and share how we can better live communion, participation, and mission in the Church today.
Synodality means journeying together as a Church that listens to the Holy Spirit and to one another. This is meant to be a long-term mission, one that is rooted in deep listening and faithful cooperation. Although the Synod on Synodality concluded in the fall of 2024, the Church is now actively engaged in the “Implementation Phase,” reviewing and acting on the Synod’s conclusions and recommendations in local pastoral settings.
Why Does the Synodal Process Matter?
Synodality invites us to become a Church that:
- Listens to every voice, especially those on the margins
- Discerns together in the light of the Holy Spirit
- Goes forth on mission, united in Christ
This is not just an event, but a new way of being Church.
“The path of synodality is what God expects of the Church of the third millennium.” (Pope Francis)
“Walking together is the style of life and mission of the Church.” (Pope Leo XIV)
Prayer for Synodality
We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
make Yourself at home in our hearts.
Teach us the way we must go
and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity,
so that we may journey together to eternal life
and not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
who are at work in every place and time,
in the communion of the Father and the Son,
forever and ever. Amen.
— “Adsumus, Sancte Spiritus,” the ancient prayer used at every synod.
2. The Journey So Far
Implementation Phase of the Synod and ongoing conversion to a synodal Church
3. Key Themes Emerging from the Synod
From listening sessions worldwide, several themes have emerged:
Strengthened collaboration among priests, bishops, and laity
Deepened participation of all lay people of the Church, commissioned through Baptism
Dialogue with those who feel excluded or unheard by the Church and its members
Greater inclusion of women and young people
A renewed call to mission and evangelization
4. What’s Next for Our Diocese
Our diocese is called to live the fruits of the Synod locally:
Hosting parish “listening circles” and Conversations in the Spirit
Integrating synodal practices in pastoral councils and ministry planning
Continuing to listen and respond to the Holy Spirit through prayer and dialogue
Engagement with our School Boards
With the generous support of Linda Staudt, Canadian Female Delegate to the Synod on Synodality, we have entered into a series of Conversations in the Spirit between Schools and Parishes, fostering deep and lasting relationships of trust and solidarity. Hear from Linda and her experiences with the Synodal Methodology:
The Jubilee for Synod Delegates and Participatory Bodies
From October 21 – October 24, Christina Mines from the Office for Evangelization and Catechesis had the opportunity to participate in the Jubilee for Synod Delegates and Participatory Bodies in Rome. Here she sat in conversation with delegates from around the world, hearing of the fruits of the implementation phase of the Synod in local churches, as well as discussing continental joys and struggles with Pope Leo himself!
5. Resources
Official Documents
Videos & Reflections
Pastoral Applications of Synodality
Reading Suggestions
Official Documents
Videos & Reflections
- “For a Synodal Church” – CCCB video series
- Diocesan Resources
- Vatican News Synod coverage: vaticannews.va
Pastoral Applications of Synodality
Reading Suggestions
- The Pastoral Parish in the Modern World, David Wells and Bill Hubesch
- Listening Together – Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe
- Surprised by Hope – Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe
- Walking Together, the Way of Synodality – Pope Francis
- Reforming the Church: A synodal Way of Proceeding – Serena Noceti
- Just Church: Catholic Social Teaching, Synodality, and Women – Phyllis Zagano
- Marian Approaches to Synodality – Dr. Josephine Lombardi
- The Liminal Papcy of Pope Francis: Moving Towards Global Catholicity – Massimo Faggioli
- Synodality: A New Way of Proceeding in the Church – Rafael Luciani
- Walking Together: A Primer on the New Synodality – Dr. Moira McQueen
Get Involved
✅ Attend a parish or diocesan synodal event
✅ Pray daily for the Church to listen to the Spirit
✅ Read and reflect on the Synod documents
✅ Share your insights with parish leadership
Contact
Christina Mines
Director of Evangelization & Catechesis
905-528-7988 Ext. 2239
Send Email