At Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Baulkham Hills, the spirit of synodality came alive in a formation session for Year 5 students led by Religious Education Coordinator Michael Lo Cascio. He was joined by Qwayne Guevara and Hannah Portelli from Catholic Youth Parramatta, who together invited students to reflect on what it means to ‘walk together’ as Church – a journey that the people of God in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains are embracing into the future.
Drawing from the new Religious Education Curriculum ‘Encountering Jesus’, Michael facilitated an engaging lesson that encouraged reflection on the history of the Catholic Church and its councils. This helped provide a platform for understanding synodality within the global Church, linking it to the first-ever Diocesan Synod, held in October 2023. This provided students with a tangible and local example of synodality in action.
One student summarised the invitation of the first Diocesan Synod in 2023 and the subsequent Diocesan Pastoral Plan beautifully: “to listen, to discern, and to respond.”
For Michael, using the Synod as a real and local example helps make the concept of synodality tangible and relatable for young people.
“You’ve got to listen to the people who have less” – Lachie, Year 5 Student from Our Lady of Lourdes Baulkham Hills
Students Lachie and Lyla shared how they see synodality as faith in action and that they can serve and participate through the various initiatives that the school offers them.
Adding to the richness of the session, Qwayne shared her personal story of growing up in Western Sydney and how that shaped her sense of belonging to both the Church and the wider community. She spoke of the beauty and diversity of the West, and how the Church in Parramatta reflects that same spirit of inclusion and mission.
“Growing up in Western Sydney taught me that faith is something we live together,” Qwayne said. “That’s part of what synodality is all about.”
This session was a clear example of how the Diocese of Parramatta’s vision for a synodal Church is being lived out in schools. Through the dedication of educators like Michael and the witness of leaders like Qwayne and Hannah, young people are being formed to walk together in faith – with purpose, belonging, and hope.
This initiative aligns with the priorities of Formation; and Listening, Dialogue and Discernment, which underlines the Diocesan Pastoral Plan. Learn more about Synodality, or find a Catholic School Near You.
