This coming Saturday, March 26th, is an opportunity to have your voice heard in our Church. Pope Francis is inviting all of the world’s Catholics to participate in a consultation about how the Church journeys with them, invites their authentic communication, listens to their concerns, and promotes their participation in the full life of the Church.

This consultation will bring together the people in the pews, clergy, religious, and those living on the margins, in a gathering the Church calls a “synod.” This synod is focused on how the Church engages all of these groups in the life of the Church at all levels. The synod’s theme is “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission,” and it is to conclude in 2023.

The Catholic Church is facing unprecedented challenges the world over. Many have stopped practicing their faith. Countries, communities, and families are divided. The pandemic is having a devastating impact. In this crucial moment, the Church is forging a pathway to profound renewal. The Church is holding a consultation, or synod, inviting participants to encounter one another, listen to each other’s experiences, and discover together what God is calling the Church to do in these times. The insights that come from this consultation will be used to renew our parishes, schools, and the diocese itself by strengthening a church culture that listens to its faithful makes them co-responsible for the life of the church, and reflects their wisdom.

The consultation will take place through group sessions with six to eight people. Our parish will hold this session on Saturday, March 26 from 9 to 11. We invite all of you to participate, including the people who attend Mass, ministry members, young adults, and members of cultural groups and organizations. We really want to hear all your voices.