The Archdiocese of Monreal (Canada) have asked Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V. to produce a series of video to highlight some significant topics of the Document of the 16th Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.
In this five-part video series, Hopeful Pilgrims in a Synodal and Missionary Church, Fr. Lafontaine, guides us through the vision of a Synodal Church, rooted in the Jubilee of Hope. Drawing from his experiences at the 2024 Synodal Assembly and at the World Meeting “Parish Priests for the Synod”, Fr. Raymond explores themes of communion, participation, and mission, inviting us to reflect on the call to personal and ecclesial renewal. Each episode unpacks the transformative power of the Resurrection narratives in John’s Gospel, inspiring us to walk together on the path of conversion, spiritual renewal, and structural reform, as we journey toward a more participatory and missionary Church.
ALL THE VIDEOS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE WITH SUBTITLES IN FRENCH
Part I: The Heart of Synodality: Called by the Holy Spirit to Conversion | Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.
“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So, she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved.” (John 20:1-2)
In Part I of our series, Hopeful Pilgrims in a Synodal and Missionary Church, Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V., explores the heart of synodality, focusing on our call to conversion through the Holy Spirit. He reflects on the foundational role of witnesses to the Risen Lord, like Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and the Beloved Disciple, and how we are all called to life, love, holiness, communion, and mission through Baptism and Confirmation. Fr. Ray also discusses synodality as a spiritual renewal and structural reform, inviting us to walk together in greater participation and mission in a divided and polarized world.
Part II: On the Boat Together: The Conversion of Relationships | Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.
“Lake Tiberias is where it all began. Peter, Andrew, James and John had left the boat and the nets to follow Jesus. After Easter, they set out again from that same lake. In the night, a dialogue is heard on the shore: “I am going fishing.” “We will go with you.” The synodal journey also began like this: we heard the invitation of Peter’s successor, and we accepted it; we set out with him and followed his lead. We prayed, reflected, struggled and dialogued together. But above all we have experienced that it is relationships that sustain the Church’s vitality, animating its structures. A missionary synodal Church needs to renew the one and the other.” (FD 49)
In Part II of our series, Hopeful Pilgrims in a Synodal and Missionary Church, Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V., explores the Gospel scene where the disciples return to their fishing boat together. He reflects on the Church’s call to foster and heal relationships, embrace diversity of charisms and vocations, and create space for all to participate in the mission of Christ. As a synodal Church, we are invited to journey together, listening deeply and walking in communion, participation, and mission.
Part III – Cast the Net: The Conversion of Processes for a Credible Church | Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.
Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So, they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. (John 21:5–6)
In Part III of Hopeful Pilgrims in a Synodal and Missionary Church, Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V., reflects on the post-Resurrection invitation to cast the net anew as a call to reform not only hearts, but also ecclesial structures and decision-making processes. He explores how synodality requires a deep conversion of our ways of discerning and governing—moving beyond inertia and resistance to change. Through the lens of differentiated co-responsibility, participatory bodies, and ongoing evaluation, this episode challenges us to foster transparency, accountability, and a culture of mission-focused discernment. Only then can we build a more credible and effective Church, united in communion and committed to the Gospel.
Part IV: An Abundant Catch: The Conversion of Bonds and the Exchange of Gifts | Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.
The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish… Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. (John 21:8,11)
In Part IV of Hopeful Pilgrims in a Synodal and Missionary Church, Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V., reflects on the abundant catch as a powerful image of unity in diversity. Rooted in our local churches yet always on the move as pilgrims of hope, we are called to deepen the bonds that hold us together in mission. Fr. Ray explores the “exchange of gifts” within the Church, in ecumenical partnerships, and through interreligious dialogue—emphasizing communion not only at the local level, but also in national, continental, and global dimensions. He also considers the unique role of the Bishop of Rome in the service of unity, reminding us that when our relationships are grounded in trust, humility, and mutual mission, the net will not tear.
Part V: “So I Send You”: Forming Missionary Disciples in a Synodal Church | Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V.
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21–22)
In Part V, the final episode of Hopeful Pilgrims in a Synodal and Missionary Church, Fr. Raymond Lafontaine, E.V., reflects on the call to be missionary disciples, formed and sent by the Holy Spirit. He highlights the Eucharist as the heart of our ongoing formation, and urges the Church to invest in formation that is integral, shared, and lifelong—especially the formation of formators. Fr. Ray also addresses key challenges, such as priestly formation, navigating digital culture, and integrating Catholic social teaching into daily life.
Concluding with the image of Jesus preparing a simple meal on the shore, Fr. Ray reminds us that we are not alone. The Risen Lord feeds us, strengthens us, and sends us out to reach the lost, welcome the excluded, and offer the joy of the Gospel to all. Ours is a mission of communion, participation, and hope—for truly, in the Lord, we shall never hope in vain.