On October 9, 2021, Pope Francis opened the Synod on Synodality inviting the whole Church to enter into a two-year process of dialogue and listening. The intent is to allow us to continue to respond to the “renewal” proposed by the Second Vatican Council. The Holy Father says that “by journeying together and reflecting together on the journey that has been made, [we] the Church will be able to learn through Her experience which processes can help Her to live in communion, to achieve participation, to open Herself to mission.”

In response to the Pope’s call, Bishop Oscar Cantú, is inviting the whole diocese to embark on our own listening session. The process is similar to our Parish Renewal Initiative that was initiated last September. Like our Parish Initiative, we will have the opportunity to let our voices be heard. The difference is that we are not just reflecting on our parish community, but rather we will be thinking of the Universal Church. What are our hopes and dreams for the Universal Church as we continue in this millennium? How can we continue to make Christ’s presence known?

For these reasons, I invite all of you to fill out the questionnaire (click here). Our responses could make an impact as to how we would like the Church to move forward in the future. The data will be collected and collated by the diocese. These will be submitted to Rome in preparation for the Bishops’ Synod that will take place in 2023. I believe that the hope of the Holy Father is to discern and listen with all of us. Be aware of the promptings of the Spirit. Allow the Spirit to stir our hearts. Reflect and share how the Spirit is moving us as we journey together.

I also encourage those who were not able to participate in our Parish Renewal Initiative to participate now. This will give you the opportunity to tell us your

dreams and vision for the Universal Church and our Community of Holy Spirit. This additional data will be useful for our parish as we continue to work on what we have heard from those who participated in our parish listening sessions.

On a different note…

As we embark on the 4th week of our Annual Diocesan Appeal, I thank those who have already made their pledges. To date, we have collected $116,331 in gifts and pledges, which is 38.8% of our diocesan goal. As I mentioned last Sunday, every dollar counts. Your donation is not only important to the diocese, but it is also very important to our parish. Last year’s appeal gave us close to $40K in rebate. Thank you! These monies will be helpful in enhancing our parish programs – outreach to the needy, formation of children, youth, adults and seniors, augmenting our music ministry, community building, and Liturgy. It will also help us fund our facilities’ maintenance and repairs and other projects.

I appeal to those who have not yet responded to the ADA to prayerfully consider pledging this year. On behalf of Bishop Oscar Cantú, Fr. Edgar, and the rest of the staff, thank you for your generous support to our Annual Diocesan Appeal.