Dear Parish Family,
The worldwide Synod is coming to our neck of woods later this month. And it’s an experience not to miss. Some have called it largest consultation in human history. And we can plug in and participate right here in Glens Falls.
“Despite the odd-sounding words, the vision is very simple: it’s about experiencing our faith as a journey together, accompanied by Jesus and the Apostles,” is how Bishop Scharfenberger described it his recent Evangelist column.
Essentially, the Synod, as Pope Francis has outlined it, will be about mutual listening and dialoging. It will be about reflecting and journeying together. Don’t get scared off by the unusual words. (“Synodality” isn’t even in the dictionary!) This local synod process is simply going to be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, your hopes and your needs as a Catholic. We want to hear from you. We want to know what you need from the Church – both local and universal – to help you on your journey of faith. Together we will take the next steps toward greater unity, greater collaboration, greater faith.
The three fundamental questions we’re all being asked to reflect on are:
What have been your experiences of church?
What have been your joys, hopes, and disappointments?
When have you felt connected? When have you felt disconnected?
What might the church learn from your experiences?
What new dreams and surprising visions for the Church might God be inspiring?
What actions can you take? What actions should be taken by your parish or the diocese?
All of us are invited to consider our responses to these questions and come hear our fellow Catholic neighbors’ responses on Tue. June 28 at 6:30 PM at Our Lady of the Annunciation in Queensbury.
Let’s accept this invitation to experience how many good things can happen when caring people come together in a spirit of trust. I hope to see you there!
Gratefully,
