July 10, 2022 - "2021-2023 Archdiocesan Report of Synod"

The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington recently released a Diocesan Synthesis Report now that the Archdiocesan Phase of the 2021-2023 Synod convoked by Pope Francis is finished. I want to discuss an item located toward the end of the document.  This is a discussion on how the Spirit is guiding this local church on the path of synodality.
 
Parish revitalization is an important concern in the Archdiocese of Washington.  This could come to fruition through an emphasis on missionary discipleship and personal accompaniment across generations, cultures, parishes, vocational states in life and backgrounds.  Action steps for these areas would involve a long-term pastoral vision for the Archdiocese.  Such a plan would help in addressing long-standing hurt and mistrust in Catholic communities who feel marginalized by the past actions of Catholic leaders.
 
A multi-year pastoral revitalization initiative has been proposed.  It is hoped that such an initiative be developed and implemented in the Archdiocese that focuses on the following four items:
 
· Evangelization:  This should specifically empower Catholics to evangelize using practical tools and create more welcoming parishes through beautiful liturgies, hospitality and ministries that encourage new pastoral leaders to step forward.
· Forming missionary disciples. This involves specifically forming intergenerational regional teams that will work with parishes to provide adult faith formation in the teachings of the Church and also form parishioners in how to accompany youth and young adult leaders.
· Pastoral activities. These should work toward forgiveness and restoring trust for those who have felt marginalized by the past actions of Church leaders.  Outreach to marginalized communities would include: Black Catholic parishes whose founding was rooted in slavery or segregation; recent immigrants, especially Hispanic, African and Asian Pacific Islander communities who have not felt welcomed in parishes; survivors of clergy sexual abuse; divorced and remarried Catholics; the Traditional Latin Mass community; and persons who identify themselves as LGBTQ+ Catholics and their families.
· The beauty of the Catholic faith. This involves inviting people back to their parish to celebrate Sunday Mass and other aspects of parish life, such as catechesis and Corporal Works of Mercy.

At the concluding Mass for the archdiocesan phase of the synod, Cardinal Gregory preached about Christ’s new commandment to love another as he loved, and how a mother’s love mirrors the love of the Church for the People of God. “In listening, she [your mother] makes you feel important, she makes you feel loved, and she makes you feel that even the most difficult situation is possibly able to be resolved. A mother’s love does not always says yes, but a mother’s love is always healing, is always strengthening.  May the Church love her children in the very same way.  Not always saying yes to everything we ask, but always making us feel important and noble and listened to.”
 
Until next week,
Fr. John