In this conversation, Wendy Grace of TheWay.ie speaks with theologian Fr Eamonn Conway about the Synod on Synodality and how its vision is now moving into the implementation phase in the life of the Church. The Synod invites the whole Church to grow in communion, participation and mission, encouraging greater collaboration between clergy and lay faithful in parish and diocesan life.
Fr Conway, who was appointed by Pope Francis as an expert theologian during the Synod process, describes the past three to four years as one of the most significant periods of renewal in the Church since the Second Vatican Council. While the Synod's final document could risk becoming "a report lying on a shelf," he believes the Church is already moving closer to living out its vision in practice.
At its heart, he explains, synodality is about both personal conversion and structural reform. It calls every baptised person to share responsibility for the Church's mission according to their vocation and gifts. This means creating communities where lay people and clergy work together, with priests helping to enable others to use their talents in service of the Church.
Fr Conway highlights that many people today feel their creativity and gifts are not valued in other areas of life. The Church, he says, can become a place where people discover that their talents are welcomed and nurtured in the service of others.
A key element in making synodality a reality is formation. He stresses the need for ongoing faith formation so that people are prepared to take on different forms of service within parish and diocesan life.
Importantly, the Synod's final document includes very concrete steps for implementation. Fr Conway points to participatory structures such as Parish Pastoral Councils, Diocesan Pastoral Councils, and Finance Councils, which allow the gifts and expertise of the faithful to contribute to the decision-making and mission of the Church. These structures should help guide pastoral planning, parish strategy, and accountability.
For lay Catholics wondering how they can respond to the call of synodality, Fr Conway suggests simple but meaningful steps: becoming involved in parish councils, participating in faith formation, and offering their gifts in service of the community. Even small initiatives — from organising activities to sharing skills — can help build a more participatory Church.
Ultimately, synodality is about accompaniment and encouragement: recognising the gifts people have, inviting them to use those gifts, and walking together in faith. As Fr Conway notes, vocation means something that is "called forth" — and the life of the Church grows when people are supported and encouraged to respond to that call.
🎥 Watch the full conversation with Fr Eamonn Conway
In this interview with Wendy Grace of TheWay.ie, Fr Eamonn reflects on how the Synod on Synodality is now moving into its implementation phase.
Synodality in Practice: Questions for Parish Pastoral Councils
Fr Eamonn Conway highlights the importance of practical structures that allow the gifts of the faithful to contribute to the mission of the Church. A simple checklist for Parish Pastoral Councils might include:
- Does our parish have an active Parish Pastoral Council?
- Are members formed and supported in their role?
- Is the council representative of the parish community?
- What responsibilities and decisions are entrusted to the council?
- Is the pastoral direction or plan for the parish shared with the council?
- Are important decisions discussed and discerned together?
These practical questions reflect the Synod’s call for greater participation, shared responsibility and collaboration in the life of the Church.
Read the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality
The Final Document of the Synod on Synodality (October 2024) outlines the vision and practical steps for becoming a more synodal Church — one marked by communion, participation and mission.