Pastoral Messages from Fr. Rick 2/20/22

Pastoral Messages from Fr. Rick 2-20-22

Synod on Synodality – We are nearing the start of our listening sessions for the Synod.  Remember, the main idea is not so much for me to listen to you (although I will be closely) but more so that you listen to each other.  Let each other know what your concerns are regarding the Church and what you want from each other.  Again, please review the questions on the St. Christopher’s website (scroll down until you find them). 

The first set of sessions for the first question will be held in the social hall on:

Thursday, March 10 at 1:30 PM and Sunday, March 13, after the 9:00 Mass

The second set of sessions for the second question will be on:

Thursday, March 24, at 1:30 PM and Sunday, March 27, after 9:00 Mass.

I know these dates won’t be convenient for everyone, but hopefully there will be a good turnout for the majority of parishioners and I can then schedule others at times that are more amenable.  Also, if you choose not to attend a live session you can share your thoughts and concerns by filling out a questionnaire that will be provided soon.

This week, please choose which question you would like to address at the first session and which question would you like to address at the second session.  Please see the link on the St. Christopher’s website for a copy of the questions and a comment sheet.  There are also a few hard copies in the gathering space.  Next Sunday (or duing the week) I will ask everyone to sign your name on a sign-up sheet and indicate which session you will attend and which question you would like to address.  I will then choose the most popular question to be discussed at the various sessions.  Also recall that at the second sessions you may offer a question of your own choosing.

BEWARE:  THIS WILL REQUIRE YOU TO POSSIBLY STAY AFTER MASS FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES.  PLEASE NOTIFY THE PEOPLE WHO RELY ON YOUR PRESENCE THE NEXT 167 HOURS OF THE WEEK THAT YOU MAY BE AT CHURCH JUST A LITTLE BIT LONGER.

Finally, I encourage everyone to participate in the way that is best for you.  Given our predominantly senior Catholic population, I hope we will feel strongly compelled to share the wisdom we have acquired over the many decades of our lives.  The world we are passing on to our grandchildren needs this wisdom.  Most of all I just want my report to the Dean and Bishop to reflect the actual interest of Kane County Catholics in the mission of the local and global Church. This will help with future planning and ministries. More to come…

Bishop’s Appeal, aka, the Diocesan Development Drive. Please send your donations in pronto before you divert your money into something more fun.  More on the DDD later.  It’s really important.  See Bishop Solis at https://www.dioslc.org/

Homily Reflection Questions:

What is the difference between judging, assessing, admonishing and teaching?

How is the distinction between the above behaviors related to forgiving?

Who might you be most tempted to judge?  What would be the better option?

Also see Praying from the Heart:  Catechism of the Catholic Church # 2559 -65