Dear Fellow Parishioners, Pope Francis has invited all Catholics throughout the world to join in a two-year process of listening and dialogue in the church by participating in The Synod on Synodality. It is a five-phase process. 1.Listening and Dialogue throughout each (arch) diocese 2.Input from each diocese is complied and reflected upon nationally 3.Regional Reflections are submitted 4.In 2023 Bishop’s reflect on input from every region 5.Reach out and Evangelization to all peoples
As I was looking at this process, I harken back to the imaginative words of Fr. William O’Malley S.J. After Vatican II “Not only does the official church have an obligation to listen more to the people, but the people have the intimidating obligation to speak up!”
This Synod on Synodality is our opportunity to speak up. Beginning this week, we as the Catholic Community of Sacred Heart will begin to pray for the success of this Synod after communion during this first phase. I will also be using our six Tuesday evening gatherings on Zoom to seek wisdom from those who participate. The participation tools we use are only a template to begin the dialogue and listening process. As ideas unfold, I will invite all of you to share your wisdom, so that we can contribute to our Diocesan input.
I have been praying for the success of this Synod each day since October. If you would like to join me and others in doing so here is that prayer:
We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.