The Archdiocese of Edmonton played a significant role in the worldwide Synod on Synodality, hosting hundreds of listening sessions and gathering thousands of responses as part of the Catholic Church’s global reflection on its mission and communal life.
Launched in 2021 by Pope Francis and continuing under Pope Leo XIV, the Synod invited Catholics worldwide into a process of prayer, dialogue, and discernment about how the Church can more faithfully live its mission. The word synod comes from a Greek term meaning “to walk together,” emphasizing a Church that listens, discerns, and carries out Christ’s mission collectively.
“Synodality is about walking together as the People of God—listening to the Holy Spirit, listening to one another, and discerning how the Church is called to serve the world today,” said Archbishop Stephen Hero. “It reminds us that every baptized person has a role to play in the mission of the Church.”
“At its heart, synodality is about journeying together in faith,” added Dr. Eugenia Pagnotta-Kowalczyk, who leads Synod discernment in the Archdiocese. “It calls the Church to listen deeply—to God, to one another, and especially to those on the margins—so that together we may better serve the mission of Christ.”
Strong Local Participation
The Synod process began with listening sessions in dioceses worldwide, including extensive engagement in the Archdiocese of Edmonton. Local leaders faced the major task of reviewing nearly 4,000 responses. Twenty-one Catholic leaders read and organized the feedback into clear themes. In a spirit of co-leadership, 108 Synod animators and 154 listening leaders coordinated more than 350 sessions across parishes, schools, ministries, and community groups throughout central and northern Alberta.
Prayer was central to the sessions, which often included Lectio Divina and began with the ancient prayer Adsumus Sancte Spiritus, traditionally used at Church councils and synods. Participants described the gatherings as meaningful and spiritually enriching.
Listening leaders called the sessions “humbling, positive, and enriching,” noting participants’ openness in sharing personal faith experiences and engaging in respectful dialogue. Many expressed hope that similar conversations would continue beyond the synodal process.
Synodality is actively shaping life in the Archdiocese. The Pastoral Priorities of Worship, Witness, and Service emerged directly from the Synod Report recommendations. Other initiatives include the Archbishop Student Advisory Council, now in its second year.
Global Discernment Continues
Following the diocesan phase, Church representatives from around the world gathered in Rome for synodal assemblies in 2023 and 2024, focusing on strengthening communion, participation, and mission across the global Church.
The Synod study groups explored key areas for Church renewal. Study Group 3 highlighted the need to evangelize in digital spaces, treating online culture as a real environment for dialogue, accompaniment, and witness while addressing challenges such as misinformation and polarization.
Study Group 4 focused on priestly formation, calling for seminarians to be more integrated into parish life, trained in listening, dialogue, and shared responsibility, and supported by lay involvement, particularly from women and families.
Study Group 5 examined the role of women in the Church, advocating for broader recognition of women’s charisms, leadership, and participation beyond formal ministries, while reflecting on theological frameworks linking authority, service, and mission.
Together, the reports call for a Church that is missionally engaged, collaborative, and inclusive, integrating digital evangelization, pastoral formation, and recognition of women’s contributions into its life and governance.
Looking Ahead
The synodal journey will continue as dioceses worldwide discern how to implement the Synod’s insights. Click here more on the global Synod. For more information on the Synod in the Edmonton Archdiocese, contact Dr. Eugenia Pagnotta-Kowalczyk by visiting our local Synod page.
