Enthusiasm grows for Synergy Toronto

With Synergy Toronto 2026 just weeks away, excitement continues to build among Catholic leaders in social services, health and education as Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Toronto finalizes plans for a gathering both timely and urgently needed.

The three-day conference is aiming to break down the long-standing silos between Catholic organizations that often serve many of the same vulnerable populations. 

After speaking with The Catholic Register during the summer, the team once again shared that the response from organizations and individuals has been a consistent and enthusiastic “yes,” with many looking ahead to a conference that will serve as an important opportunity to come together around shared missions and values. 

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Energy and excitement have only grown stronger as the final program has taken shape, creating a sense that something larger is emerging. For Catholic Charities' executive director Agnes Thomas, Nov. 3 to 5 at the Chelsea Hotel in Toronto will stand as something of a movement for people within Catholic agencies committed to doing more together while remaining grounded in faith.

“It feels like something bigger has been happening behind the scenes. This is a growing movement of people and organizations recognizing that we can do more together, with our shared faith, mission and values bringing us together. Every day, that excitement grows,” she said. 

Offering a peek behind the scenes at the preparation, Thomas shared that many moments of “pure grace” have been taking place. The generosity of spirit with which people have responded to the team's requests and logistical needs, as well as having offered their time and wisdom to the unique cause, stand out. 

“For example, you will see many young people volunteering at the conference. Forty-five high school students from our (Catholic) schools have committed to being there throughout the conference to help. That is a blessed abundance,” she said. 

“That reflects how we envision this conference — a collective effort and a true testament to a faith community coming together to ensure everything is taken care of. What makes this especially rewarding is seeing so many people contribute in different ways, all with a shared commitment to making this a meaningful experience. We want to have a great time together, learning from, listening to and inspiring one another while building community.” 

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Looking at the major elements that have been locked in since planning in June, Thomas pointed toward the five main plenary sessions, including one by Fr. Greg Boyle of Homeboy Ministries in the United States, as features set to bring together seasoned and emerging leaders with young people to share their work and experience as visionaries and workers in the field.

In addition to five plenaries and professional development workshops, other highlights include opening Mass celebrated by Toronto Auxiliary Bishop Robert Kasun, an optional tour of St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica and the closing Mass with Cardinal Frank Leo.

The three-day conference program offers even more, including opportunities for professional development and general networking across various ministries and organizations.

Having kept a close eye on the Catholic Praxis Synergy Toronto 2026 planning team since its inception, Thomas shared her eagerness to see what each party brings to the discussions. 

“I’m looking forward to people spending meaningful time together, seeing how the Church serves communities every day and discovering new ways to collaborate across our work and ministries. Ultimately, it’s about doing more together, and I'm confident everyone will leave the conference having gained something new, whether a fresh perspective, a new connection, an idea to bring back to their organization or a new opportunity to work with others,” she said. 

“Above all, I hope these three days will renew and inspire us, strengthening our shared sense of purpose and what we can accomplish together.” 

The opportunity to experience such graces is being extended by the Catholic Charities' team to the wider community, with Thomas hopeful many will come to experience how faith is lived out daily through local work and ministries. 

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“This is an opportunity to be renewed and inspired, knowing that we are not alone in this mission. When we come together, we can support one another, do more together and build a community where no one is left out or feels alone in their ministry. We look forward to welcoming everyone,” she said. 

For a detailed breakdown of the program and to register, visit catholicpraxis.ca/. 

A version of this article appeared in the October 25, 2026 issue of The Catholic Register with the headline "Enthusiasm grows for Synergy Toronto".