Over the last few months, you probably have heard about the Synod opened by the Holy Father in October last year. What is a synod? A synod is a process rooted in the history of the Catholic Church, and can be interpreted as “walking together” or as the path along which the People of God walk together. Between now and mid-2022, the Synod process will gather groups from the parishes, schools and catholic organizations to prayerfully discern and explore our relationship with our church and our Lord Jesus Christ. The collected responses will then be presented to Bishop Barber and sent onto the Vatican as part of the preparatory documents for the upcoming Synod on Synodality which Pope Francis will convene with all the world’s bishops in 2023.
Following is the message of Bishop Barber, inviting us to participate by praying on the mission of the Church today, and by asking ourselves: “How can we better proclaim the message of Jesus Christ in today’s world?”
As we prayerfully discern ways we can support the Synod journey, we continue our SOWER Weekends – this time highlighting our “Worship” Ministries. When we gather at Mass, line up for confession, attend devotional prayer groups, sing at the choir, or assist as liturgy ministers and coordinators, we take part in worship. Here at Saint Raymond’s, our hope is to always be able to celebrate our liturgies in reverend, dignified and safe ways possible; and continue to depend our relationship – individually and collectively – with Jesus Christ, the Sower.
The Gospel this weekend is very fitting … “put out into the deep water” … We are called to participate in this great mission as Jesus instructs us “lower your nets for a catch”!
Sempre grato,
Father Erick
(For the 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time)