I write this column having just returned from two days in South Bend for the Diocesan Synod. It was an inspiring event. You will recall that every parish had a synod event last winter. The huge amount of data turned in from those meetings was boiled down to 15 questions about the mission of the Church in our diocese. 150 delegates gathered at Notre Dame last weekend to give our thoughts, and more important, to listen to one another. We have a very diverse group of delegates, all serious about their faith, and all seeing the Church through different eyes. A team is now looking through the thoughts shared last weekend and putting together a long list of practical ideas for our diocese. Two weeks from now the delegates will gather here in Fort Wayne for a final weekend to finish the synod. Delegates will spend time with that list and vote on the ideas which we think should be dropped and the ideas which should be presented to the bishop for prayerful consideration. Finally, with the synod complete, the bishop and his team will produce some kind of a pastoral plan. Please keep this whole process in prayer.
Our parish office will be closed on Wednesday. The staff is spending a renewal day together. Feel free to leave a message on the parish phone and we’ll get back to you on Thursday.
Coffee and donuts will be offered in the Community Room after the Wednesday 8:15 a.m. Mass. For those who come to the morning Mass, it is a chance to get to know one another a little better.
On Thursday we will have Adoration in the church from 9:00-2:15. Students will come and go during the day for silent prayer time and adults are also welcome. Come and join us for quiet prayer. Benediction prayers will begin at 2:15.
This week I will remember the 36th anniversary of my priestly ordination. What a gift this vocation has been. Please continue to encourage and pray for our young men and women, that God will call some to priesthood or religious life and that they will see that call for the gift that it is.
