Many questions arise in my heart as I continue to journey with you here at Sacred Heart. One that I have right now is: “How do we form community as a parish today?” There have been many different ways that people came together in the past; Men’s Leagues, Women’s Clubs, League of Catholic Men (Women), Couples Clubs, and most recently our family gatherings at Chicken BBQ’s, Italian Night, Harvest Fest.
I’m not sure what we can do to create community and get to know each other outside of gathering for Worship. We are hosting Italian Night on Saturday February 22nd after the 4:00 P.M. Mass. It’s a chance to celebrate Mardi Gras as a community. In the past we have filled the hall, but that’s doesn’t seem to be happening at this time. So, my question still stands: “How do we form and strengthen our ties as a community of faith in today’s culture?”
This is but one of the many questions I have as we head into a new decade together as a parish. I know members of our Pastoral Planning Team have additional questions and I am sure you do also. So, I am giving you a heads up! We are going to have a parish powwow, or parish town meeting, officially called a Parish Synod in the fall. The word Synod comes from the Greek meaning “coming together.” We are going to put our heads together and create our future as The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart. Everyone’s wisdom will be necessary as we are guided by the Holy Spirit.
More details of our agenda, when, how, and where we will gather will be coming as we continue to plan for this very important event. Our last Synod 15 was years ago. There were three meetings with anywhere from 125-200 attending each meeting. What I am asking you now is for two things:
What questions do you think we need to address as we head into this new decade?
Would you be interested in serving on the Synod Planning Team?
In the meantime, I am hoping that we will come together for Italian Night and even take some time while we dine to celebrate who we are at this time!