Mar 18, 2022
Submitted by Luz María Garduño, with support from Pepe Gutierrez & Fr. German. Other delegates: Maricela Arellano Sánchez & Reynaldo García Vidal.
After two years of not attending Diosesan Synod, it was renewing to be together again. We had long faces at the previous Synod because we didn't know how long the horrible pandemic would last.
Last week, we were able to gather in person for a new Synod with a wonderful Bishop who gave us confidence and hope with a great and encourgyng sermon.
At the end of the service, she surprised us with a new activity regarding how to move forward from here. We divided into 7 mixed-parish groups to get to know each other better. In these small groups, we discussed two questions, the answers to which we then shared in the large group:
1) What do you ask for from your church? [Answers included: inclusivity, spiritual guidance from clergy, and pastoral care visits]
2) What can you give to your church? [Answers included: time, talents/abilities, and financial support].
We renewed our commitments to each other to support each other, lay and clergy, in the work God has entrusted to us. Excellent ideas for ministry came out of this activity, and we felt encouraged to work together toward filling our churches with new parishioners.