Loyola University New Orleans is part of a national collaboration of 15 Catholic colleges and universities working to strengthen leadership, dialogue, and shared decision-making in the Church. This initiative—known as the Catholic Education Network to Enact and Resource Synodality (CENTERS)—supports a more participatory, mission-focused Church rooted in listening and communal discernment, a vision emphasized by Pope Francis.

Led by Loyola University Chicago and funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., the initiative provides resources for each participating institution to develop local projects that renew leadership formation and ministry practices.

At Loyola, the work of CENTERS will be carried out through the Institute for Ministry, which will lead programs and initiatives that bring synodal practices into formation and community life. Activities may include retreats, trainings, and conversations that foster deeper listening and collaboration, as well as partnerships with other institutions in the network.