Many of you have read or heard of the “Synod” underway in the Universal Church. This process of discussion and consultation is intended to bring substance to discussions of the world’s Bishops in 2022 – 2023. Pope Francis has asked for and initiated the synodal process for the whole Church, and its implementation in the Diocese of Worcester began with a solemn celebration of Mass at our Cathedral Church of St. Paul on October 17, 2021. Between the completion of the Christmas Season and the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, I will be seeking your input.
Members of existing parish groups, ministries, and committees will have the opportunity to take part in those settings. There will be at least one public gathering offering everyone the chance to participate, and the opportunity to do so on line.A synod is a gathering of “the Church Body,” called for a purpose of Church, or ecclesial significance. The Pope is gathering the Universal Church, Bishop McManus is gathering the local Church of the Diocese of Worcester, and I am gathering the Church of the Parish of St. Peter, Northbridge. In these days, the form of gathering must be sensitive to where and how we feel comfortable and safe in the process of gathering. This simply means that while “the more the merrier,” we also will be thoughtful about how to invite your participation still within the shadows of risk to personal or public health.
From “What are the greatest blessings of being Catholic?” to “What are the greatest challenges you face by being Catholic?” we will discuss the chance that no prophet is heard in his home town and the calling to live most importantly in ways by which the Love of God is known by us, and by those among whom it is our gift to live.