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8 November 2021
Dear friends,
Pope Francis has invited you to take part in this historic synod and I add my own invitation to be an active participant as we enter into the synodal process her at St. Pius V. This is something that involves all of the people of God.
I cannot tell you exactly how this is going to work. We pray for guidance of the Holy Spirit and follow where he leads us, perhaps along surprising paths.
What is important is that we offer our time to God for the good of his church and gather to listen to one another and discuss what we hear and share our stories and inspiration with the whole church through the synodal process which is described below.
I especially ask for your commitment to help with this process by becoming a facilitator, a scribe who will keep a record what we hear, or to help with the organization of these parish gatherings in some other way. This a commitment that may involve 2-3 hours a week at most. Like the widow in the gospel who had nothing to spare, yet gave the 2 small coins which was all she had, I know that none of you have time to spare, yet I ask you give these 2 short hours.
We will let you know about trainings to prepare for these roles as soon as possible, but we ask you to commit today.
May the Father bless as you follow Christ through the promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Joe
synthesized into a national summary of the listening sessions conducted in all the dioceses of the United States.
That summary from the Church in the United States will be included with summaries from the worldwide listening consultations. From that worldwide consultation the first draft of the working document, called the Instrumentum Laboris, will be prepared.
We would like you to begin thinking about your answers to some questions that will help form our discussions. Share your answers with us (anonymously) - CLICK HERE.
1) How has the church in this diocese been important in your life?
2) How does your parish serve the needs of minorities, the poor, the sick, and those generally excluded from society?
3) How are members of our church invited to share their talents with the parish and surrounding community?
4) What tools or processes does your parish employ to promote transparency and accountability?
5) Why do you come or not come to mass?
6) What would you like to see change in your parish community?
7) What are some things you would like to change in the celebration of the mass?
8) How does your parish relate to the other Christian Churches or communities? Should more be done?
9) What is the best part of belonging to your parish community?