Most recently in May, during regularly scheduled Pastors Zoom gathering, all our pastors and their associated were joined by a guest speaker from St. Peter's Seminary for a workshop on synodality in leadership. The workshop presenter made the point that "synodality is a way of being, not more meetings." This has certainly been our philosophy in general terms.
In fact, we have been undergoing a synod-inspired process over the past 24 months focused on planning and renewal of the diocese and parishes. This process has revolved around three main bodies of clergy and lay people: the pastors of parishes (20 parish priests), the assembly of parish leadership teams (a group of nearly 100 clergy, religious, and lay people), and the archbishop's steering committee (a group of 9 clergy and lay people). These groups were supported by eight working groups (ranging in size from 6-8 clergy, religious, and laity) exploring topics using the synodal method of spiritual conversations within the three bodies listed above. The working groups each met on a number of occasions and used a synod-style listening process to reflect on and offer suggested strategies for how we move forward together.
These strategies were collated into a working document which was reviewed with the Council of Priests, parish pastors, and parish leadership teams using a similar processes. This all culminated with an all day meeting of parish leadership teams (with invitations extended to members of finance and pastoral councils from each parish) in November 2025. During this day we worked in groups to read through and reflect a revised version a document that has become our pastoral plan for the next four years.
We also have a leadership summit coming up in November that will bring together parish leaders and one of the main topics will, again, be synodality in practice in our church life.
Let us pray that the Holy Spirit continue to guide all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Halifax-Yarmouth as we journey together towards a listening Church that forms disciples for mission.
