My dear Friends in Christ,
We are living in fearful times with these COVID variants and sometimes people hear only what they want to hear. Hopefully, the words that they hear are comforting and what needs to be heard. Have you ever received meaningful praise from a family member or co-worker which lifts you up at a time you most need it? Maybe you have listened to music or picked up a book that has the right words you might need in a particular moment. Words matter. We have long known that they can raise us up or cut us down, give us joy or cause us pain. We seek the right words for consolation, delight, wisdom, and friendship. How wonderful it is that the word of God is with us, giving us the strength and peace we need!
As preparations continue for the local phase of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, the Diocesan Synod Committee issued preliminary questions and answers adapted from the USCCB Synod Preparatory Document. The purpose of the Synod 2021-2023 as shared by Pope Francis is to plant dreams, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships, awaken a dawn of hope, and learn from one another. The Synod is a call to pray, to listen, and to discern together what the Holy Spirit is saying to our pilgrim Church today. We will be showing a video from Bishop O’Connell in Church soon that will shed light on questions that will be addressed as we navigate and journey together.
For those contributing to the Saint Vincent de Paul collection, please make checks payable to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and NOT Corpus Christi Church.
May God bless you all,
Father John