Dear Fellow Parishioners, We begin a new 12-week homily series that will increase our relationship with the third person of the Blessed Trinity. We will deepen our understanding of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. St. Paul introduces us to the fruits of the Spirit, and we will unpack these wonderful attributes and qualities at the same time that Pope Francis is gathering in Rome for the next session of the Synod on Synodality, which begins in October. This is an exciting time for our church. The latest report for the Synod tells us that there are 363 delegates chosen to participate. Among them are 54 women who, for the first time in Church history, will have the right to vote. Pope Francis has asked us all to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all those who are attending the Synod. So, again I am asking you to join in prayer for the Synod, using the official prayer that Pope Francis has given us. We will be praying it together after communion on the weekends, to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit is this important gathering.
Prayer for the Synod 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.
The Fruits of the Holy Spirit that we will be visiting are: Long Suffering, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Self-Control, Kindness, Chastity, Goodness, Charity, Modesty, Faith, and Joy. In the meantime, let us seek to understand the Fruits of the Spirit and exemplify them in our own lives. Fr. Bill