I know you are asking the question.
Ever since Pope Francis popularized the term, he has encouraged a “renewed” way of being Church. Synods, of course, are not new to Catholicism. However, since the onset of the Synod on Synodality (2021–2024), Pope Francis has redefined the form and function of the synodal process.
During this recent Synod, the topics were not pre-determined by a small committee. Instead, they were gathered from listening sessions across the world. Parishes provided input, which was sent to diocesan offices for summation, then to national bishops’ conferences, and finally to the Vatican. These global perspectives sparked the dialogue during the two formal sessions in Rome.
To put it more succinctly: “This synod aims to promote a new style of living out the communion, participation, and mission of the Church” (Vademecum for the Synod on Synodality, 3.5).
It is also worth noting that laypeople—both men and women—were not just contributors; they had a vote, a role usually reserved strictly for bishops in previous synods. It was a new process—not perfect, but wide-reaching in its desire to garner genuine input.
Since the Vatican embarked on this focus, many have wondered how this translates to the local parish setting. In their book, The Future of Synodality: How We Move Forward From Here, authors Kristin M. Colberg and Jos Moon, SJ, note: “Another aspect that has emerged is how to ‘synodalize’ parish life…” (37).
So I ask again: What does it mean to be a synodal parish?
This question is at the heart of a new course I am teaching in the summer of 2026 for Santa Clara University’s Graduate Program in Pastoral Ministries, titled “Shared Leadership in a Synodal Church.”
I won’t pretend to answer this question fully or perfectly in one class or one article, but I know that a place to start is within our existing structures. If becoming a “synodal parish” means throwing everything out and starting over, we will fail.
There are things already happening within the parish that, with a bit of intentionality, can become more synodal. Pastoral and finance councils, staff meetings, and the organizational chart itself are all places to start. There is likely some synodality already happening in these settings; we just may not have named it as such. For example, how we solicit feedback from parents and families regarding youth and children’s ministry is an aspect of synodality that many parishes already practice.
While I do believe new ways of operating will be required, I also believe every parish is already living out some aspect of synodality. As we move forward, pastoral leaders need to name these initiatives and make the small, intentional changes that will create an even greater impact on the local church’s ability to evangelize and create disciples.
Question: How does your parish already live out synodality?
