A few weeks ago, we started the first phase of our Parish Renewal Initiative entitled Communal Discernment. This is our opportunity to ask the Holy Spirit to help us gather our thoughts so we can dream together as a community. The purpose is to empower us all for ministry in our community and create a pathway for a vibrant, growing community in the future. Three questions are asked to guide us in our discernment and to have meaningful discussions.

I have attended a few of the listening sessions and found them to be very helpful. I listened to your ideas, hopes, and dreams for our parish. I’ve witnessed how much you love this community, and I am very touched and humbled by your honesty, openness, commitment, and dedication. Listening to you makes me even more proud to be pastor of Holy Spirit.

I am very thankful to those who have participated in the listening sessions and for taking the time to join us. I know that for some this is not at all easy. It takes courage and energy to share your comments and reflections. But I assure you that your collective thoughts have and will be taken seriously, constructively, and in confidence.

If you are still thinking of participating in our communal discernment, there is still time. On Sunday, October 10 at 10:30am, we will have our final listening session in the school gym. The session will be facilitated by members of our Parish Pastoral Council. An hour of your time will certainly make a difference in the life of our community. I am once again inviting you to join us. Allow me to hear your voice. Help me and the parish leadership strengthen our community. Let us pray together, reflect together, dream together, and create a meaningful vision together for the future of our parish.