Paluch Lecture
October 19, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Old St. Pat’s Meeting Space, 625 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60661
Models of Pastoral Leadership for a Synodal Church
As I was about to move to the podium to begin a presentation on synodality, the pastor with whom I had been talking leaned in and whispered, “I have heard people discussing synodality for the past few years, but I still don’t understand what it is. Yet, there is one thing I know for sure, and that is that synodality doesn’t work in my parish.”
That remark motivated me to reflect on people’s perceptions of synodality, that is, on why some people are confused by, reject, or abhor synodality while others talk about it with joy and hope.
In this presentation, you will learn how we can take confusions, questions, and critiques of synodality seriously while, at the same time, perceiving it as something positive, essential, even constitutive, of who we are as Church. You will also learn how we can embrace synodal models of leadership in the Church and how doing so can enable the Church to address the pressing pastoral issues of our time.
Registration
The lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
About Dr. Harold D. Horell
Dr. Harold D. Horell is the Margaret and Chester Paluch Chair of Theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake. He holds a Ph.D. in Theology and Education from Boston College, an M.T.S. from Harvard Divinity School, and an MA in Philosophy from the University of Dayton. He has a wealth of experience in teaching, research, and forming leaders for the Church’s apostolic mission. Dr. Horell has fostered dialogue and collaboration within academic and church communities throughout his professional career. Before joining the USML community, he served for twenty-one years as a member of the Fordham University Graduate School of Religion and Religious Education faculty. His primary vocation is as a husband, father, and grandfather.
The Annual Paluch Lecture
The Paluch Lecture stands as an illustrious annual event within the Catholic intellectual landscape, epitomizing the pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and a profound understanding of theology. Named in honor of Margaret and Chester Paluch, devout patrons of theological scholarship, this lecture series has become a hallmark gathering for scholars, theologians, and the faithful alike.
At its core, the Paluch Lecture is a celebration of theological inquiry, designed to explore the vast and intricate realms of Catholic theology. Each year, the series brings a distinguished scholar, theologian, and expert to share their insights, research, and reflections on the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of theology.
The Paluch Lecture serves as a forum for dialogue, intellectual exchange, and the exploration of the profound intersections between faith and reason. Attendees can deepen their understanding of the Catholic intellectual tradition. The annual Paluch Lecture not only contributes to the academic and theological community but also serves as a beacon of intellectual curiosity, promoting a holistic understanding of the Catholic faith in the context of the broader human experience.
View Photos from Our Spring 2026 Lecture
