Montreal

Walking the Synodal Path with Jesus and His Disciples

Within the Catholic Church in Montreal, the Office for English Pastoral Services (OEPS) supports pastoral initiatives that strengthen faith, build community, and respond to the realities of today’s Church. One initiative that has emerged from this mission is “Called into Community: Come and See! Walking the Synodal Path with Jesus and His Disciples.”

A Creative Response to Today’s Pastoral Needs

Called into Community was developed in response to the understanding that spiritual growth takes time and unfolds differently for each person. The initiative recognizes that people pray and learn in diverse ways, that engaging multiple senses can deepen spiritual experience, and that smaller groups often allow for more meaningful sharing and connection. Rather than relying solely on traditional models of formation, this initiative emphasizes journeying together in faith.

A Journey Born During the Pandemic

Called into Community began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many people experienced loneliness, isolation, and division within faith communities. In response, OEPS invited people to participate in a shared spiritual journey inspired by the crowd-funded tele-series The Chosen.

In preparation for the weekly gatherings, participants watched episodes in advance and prayed with Scripture and guided reflection questions. This shared preparation shaped small-group conversations focused on listening for the movement of the Holy Spirit—through attentive listening to one another, respectful dialogue, and openness to different experiences of faith. Participants joined from Montreal and from other parts of Canada, creating a diverse and supportive faith community.

Growing into a Community of Practice

For the past five years, Called into Community has taken place twice a year:

  • Four weeks during Lent
  • Four weeks during Advent

What began as a pastoral response to a time of crisis has grown into an ongoing faith community, rooted in prayer and shared spiritual experience. Participants consistently express a desire for the journey to continue.

Together, participants engage in:

  • Lectio Divina
  • Video Divina
  • Conversations with the Spirit
  • Personal prayer, reflection, and journaling

Most gatherings take place online, with occasional opportunities to meet in person. Participants often report deeper spiritual sharing, stronger relationships, mutual encouragement, and greater clarity in discerning next steps in their faith journey and outreach.

You Are Invited

Called into Community: Come and See! is open to everyone.

Whether you are active in parish life, seeking deeper community, or simply curious about growing in faith, you are welcome to join this journey.

Come and experience prayer, reflection, and authentic community.

LEARN MORE

 

Martina McLean
Directrice, Office for English Pastoral Services
Archidiocèse de Montréal