A pilgrim's path home — and an invitation to walk together
Steve & Bella on the backyard deck
A brief history of Synodality Pilgrims
Hi, I’m Steve Authier — a 67-year-old cradle and flawed Catholic living in Hamilton, Ontario where I attend an amazing parish, St. Catherine of Siena.
I launched Synodality Pilgrims not as an expert, but as a fellow traveler: someone listening for the Spirit, trying to walk faithfully with the Church on this unfolding synodal journey.
My own path has been far from linear. After nearly twenty years away from the Catholic Church — during which I served as an ordained pastor in an Anabaptist congregation — after my retirement, I found myself slowly, quietly drawn back home. That return, about five years ago, was not dramatic but deeply personal. It awakened something in me that continues to shape how I live my faith today.
My wife, Judi, and I have three grown sons, and we're grandparents to three beautiful grandchildren. We also share life with Bella, our affectionate and slightly spoiled mini golden doodle who reminds me daily of the joy in simple things. She's a great companion.
In June, 2025, I attended Journey of Encounter: Pilgrims of Hope Embracing Synodality in Waterloo, Ontario. I was deeply moved by the four days in community with fellow synodal travelers. For years, I’ve kept a personal blog, writing about things close to my heart. But the Church’s call to synodality — to walk together, listen deeply, and open space for every voice — felt too significant for just a few scattered reflections. That’s why I created this site. It’s a place for me to share what I’m learning, to explore questions that matter, and — most importantly — to invite others into the conversation.
Whether you’re just discovering what synodality means or have been following it closely, you’re welcome here. Let’s walk this path together.