Our Synodal Journey
The next Canadians for a Synodal Church virtual panel discussion will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. Click here to register for the event.
Over the past few years a series of speaker panels was convened to discuss the Synodal Process in Canada and beyond. Links to the panel discussion videos are available below. These presentations have been created to continue and support the dialogue around the creation of Synodality through the cooperation of the following Oblate communities:
Star of the North Retreat Centre – St. Albert, AB.
Galilee Retreat Centre – Arnprior, ON.
Centre Oblat: A voice for Justice – Ottawa, ON.
Queen’s House Retreat & Renewal Centre – Saskatoon, SK
The Synod on synodality was launched by Pope Francis in October 2021. Pope Francis, for the first time in history, is including the entire People of God in the synod so that we can all “journey together”. The Synod on Synodality is, therefore, not a singular event but an inclusive process including discussions with local churches and diocese, moving to the national and continental levels. In October 2023, an Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was held in Rome. The next gathering will take place in October 2024.
Enlarge the Space of Your Tent (Sessions 1 – 3)
Session 1: January 31, 2023. Speakers: Most Reverend Paul-Andre Durocher, Archbishop of Gatineau, Sandy Prather HOMI and Provincial Animator of Oblate Associates, and Linda Staudt, co-chair of the Diocese of London’s Synod Committee. Click here for the video recording.
Session 2: March 21, 2023. Speakers: Most Reverend Archbishop Richard Joseph Gagnon, Archbishop of Winnipeg, Father John A. Renken, Faculty of Canon Law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, and Sr. Susan Scott, educator and Catholic Women’s League social advocate. Click here for the video recording.
Session 3: April 25, 2023. Speakers: Armella Sonntag, Diocese of Regina Synod Submission Writing Team Member, Andrew Bennett, Catholic Young Adults of Edmonton Synod Leadership Team, Bishop Alain Faubert, Axillary Bishop of Montreal and Alternate Synod Representative. Click here for the video recording. Click here for the video recording.
Canadians for a Synodal Church: November 22, 2023. Speakers: Most Reverend Michael Miller, csb, Archbishop of Vancouver, Sr. Elizabeth Davis, rsm, Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland, Dr. Catherine Clifford, Theologian, St. Paul University, Ottawa. Click here for the video recording.
Canadians for a Synodal Church: November 20, 2024. Speakers: Fr. Ray Lafontaine, Episcopal Vicar of the Archdiocese of Montreal, Sr. Elizabeth Davis, rsm, Sisters of Mercy, Newfoundland, Bob Czerny, member of St. Basil’s Catholic Parish, Ottawa, ON. Click here for the video recording.
STN - Other Past Program event links to check out:
Star of the North Retreat Centre YouTube channel
Celebrate the Season of Creation
Historical Background to Treaties