My Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we begin this season of Lent, I am happy to announce Pope Francis has called us to be part of something historical, something beautiful.  He has called us to participate in the Synod of Synodality 2021 -2023.  I invite you to listen and learn, participate and share in this process.  Below let us reflect on what Pope Francis is calling all of us to share in fully.    This process will be inviting, challenging and engaging as disciples of Jesus. So, let us learn just a little bit more.

What is Synodality:  “It is a path and process of the Church as communion.  It is the communion all the baptized who are listening to each other, dialoguing with each other, and praying together to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit as we all seek holiness and proclaim, the Gospel.  Synodality involves clergy, religious and laity listening and speaking, praying, and discerning together, and placing the hopes and concerns of the People of God at the foot of the bishops, who united with the Pope decide matters of faith and morals in order to preserve the faith and strengthen the Church throughout the world.”

This Synod poses this fundamental question: A Synod Church, in announcing the Gospel, “journeys together.”  How is this “journeying together” happening today in our parish?  What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our “journeying together”?

In responding to this question, we are invited to:
 

• Recall our experiences:  What experiences of our parish does this question call to mind?
• Re-read these experiences in greater depth: What joys did they bring? What difficulties and obstacles have they encountered? What wounds did they reveal?  What insights have they elicited?
• Gather the fruits to share:  Where in these experiences does the voice of the Holy Spirit resound? What is the Spirit asking of us? What are the points to be confirmed, the prospects for change, the steps to be taken? Where do we register a consensus? What paths are opening up for our own parish?

“Let us journey together as baptized Christians to listen and share here in our community of St. Brendans.  Please save one of these days to listen and to share:  Wednesday, March 23, 2022 or Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 7pm to 9pm at St. Brendan School.   In order to provide hospitality, we ask that you please confirm your attendance by contacting the parish office at (323)936-4656 or send us an email at info@stbrendanchurch.org to inform us of your participation in the Synod.  Your voice, your presence, your heart is important in our Church today and always.  Please come and join us.
My prayer for you this Lent is that we “journey together” in it fullness on this road to holiness.
Asking the Lord’s blessings upon you and your family, I am

Sincerely, yours in Christ,
Fr. Brian