On Sunday, 10 October, Pope Francis celebrated Mass for the opening of the synodal path that runs from October 2021 to October 2023.
A synod has usually been a meeting of bishops to consult on church matters. The synod that was opened this past weekend is different in that it is calling on all of us to participate—laity as well as ordained; baptized, as well as unbaptized; those active in the faith, as well as those who no longer practice; Christian, as well as those of other faith traditions. This is an important time for all of us to be involved as we, as Church, are led by the Holy Spirit in "a process of becoming/que sea un proceso continuo."
The opening Mass for our local diocese to begin this synodal process is this Sunday, 17 October, at Queen of Angels parish in Riverside. Listening sessions will be held at a later time, most likely after the Christmas season. You can download the Synod 2023 documents and keep posted on the diocese’s social media pages.
We are grateful for Pope Francis being proactive in calling this time of “communion, participation and mission/comunión, participación, y misión,” that will help us be a better Church in this new millennium. As we wait for the listening sessions to begin I share a section of the prayer that was prayed at the beginning of every session of the Second Vatican Council, and is being used for this synod: We stand before you, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With you alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right…/Estamos ante ti, Espíritu Santo, reunidos en tu nombre. Tú que eres nuestro verdadero consejero: ven a nosotros, apóyanos, entra en nuestros corazones. Enséñanos el camino, muéstranos cómo alcanzar la meta. Condúcenos a la unidad en ti, para que no nos desviemos del camino de la verdad y la justicia, sino que en nuestro peregrinaje terrenal nos esforzemos por alcanzar la vida eterna...Amén.
Showcasing SHA talent: Aaron (5th) helps us to embark on this journey of listening as the entire People of God.
God bless,
Mrs. Alhadef
Campus Minister
4th Grade Aide
Jr. High ELA Aide