By Deacon Eric Gurash

During the first week of November, the Archdiocese of Regina was pleased to host Father Raymond Lafontaine from the Archdiocese of Montreal, who spoke on his experiences as a facilitator during the wrap-up to the Synod on Synodality held in Rome from October 2-27. Fr. Lafontaine’s visit was part of a broader six-month study leave, during which he engaged with numerous parishes, priests, pastoral staff, and lay leaders across the Archdiocese, deepening his understanding of how communities “walk together” as a synodal church in mission.

Fr. Lafontaine met with the clergy on Tuesday, November 5 and later addressed a public gathering on Saturday, November 9 at Resurrection Parish in Regina. His reflections centred on the essence of the synodal journey, emphasizing that the path forward involves humility, shared growth, and a deep commitment to mutual learning. “Being a synodal church is to be a discerning church—a church that listens, that accompanies, but also a church that knows when we make decisions, we don’t just make them based on personal opinion. We really seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and make decisions together.” Fr. Lafontaine shared, underlining the spirit of collective discernment that characterizes true synodality.

Fr. Lafontaine also highlighted how synodal-like accompaniment, rooted in community, has already been redefining pastoral ministry here, “I’ve experienced the church here as a place where that commitment to walk together as a mode of pastoral ministry and accompaniment is a priority.” This commitment to walking together in the Archdiocese of Regina, he noted, is essential to creating a vibrant, inclusive Church that reflects the living Gospel.

The gatherings offered moments of reflection on how synodality impacts decision-making and calls for a spirituality of stewardship and a renewal of participatory bodies. Fr. Lafontaine expressed the importance of recognizing and utilizing the gifts within each parish community, stating, “Synodality encourages a spirituality of stewardship—really owning the gifts that God has given us. A parish is as strong as the level of participation of all its members; everybody’s gifts are required.”

Bishop Donald Bolen closed the event with a note of encouragement, “what we hear today most fundamentally and through this whole synodal process is an invitation. An invitation to be a different kind of church. It’s not that everything about what we do needs to change, but there needs to be a real discernment about how to be a church that is moved by the Holy Spirit, a church that is open and welcoming, a church that seeks to hear everyone’s voice,” Bishop Bolen said, reinforcing the Archdiocese’s dedication to fostering unity and shared mission within the Church. He called upon those present to embody this spirit in their ministry and daily lives, reminding them that true synodality is more than a single moment but is an ongoing process meant to shape the fabric of the Church’s mission.

The series of Synod-related events will continue on November 27 at 7:00pm at Campion College in Regina. Dr. Catherine Clifford, a Canadian laywoman appointed as a delegate to the Synod, will speak on how renewed attention to the ancient practice of synodality is giving renewed attention to the teaching of the Second Vatican Council.

In addition to a public lecture, Dr. Clifford will speak with the pastoral staff of the Archdiocese of Regina and visit classes at Campion College. This upcoming event promises to build upon the insights shared by Fr. Lafontaine and deepen the Archdiocese’s ongoing commitment to the synod’s underlying themes of communion, participation, and mission.