What is Mission? We have encountered Our Lord, just like the Woman at the Well or the Apostles who walked with Him upon this earth. We have received the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. What are they and what are we to do with them? Join our Small Groups in June to dive deeply into these questions!
Upper Room Holy Hours
Wednesday, June 1, 8pm
Wednesday, June 29, 8pm
As a continuation of our Pastoral Plan, we will have small group discussions throughout Lent. In these meetings, inspired by the Gospel account of Jesus’ meeting with the Woman at the Well, we will ask how we can “put down the jug” and turn to the Lord. What does our Baptismal Identity teach us of our place in the Diocesan and Universal Church? What insights can we derive regarding communion, the place of synodal discussion, participation, and embrace of the marginalized? This work is part of the larger endeavor of the Church at this time, which is convoked in Synod. With this convocation, Pope Francis invites the whole Church to question itself on synodality: a decisive theme for the life and mission of the Church. Further details are available at this website, which will accompany the two-year journey (2021–2023) of reflection and sharing of the whole Church:
Small groups will each meet twice for 90-minute meetings.
We hope to continue work in these (and more) small groups through to Pentecost and into next year with our own “music synod”, exploring Church Teaching on Liturgical Music.
New to the Pastoral Plan? It’s never too late to join into this shared process of prayerful spiritual discernment and growth. All are welcome!
(Click to listen)
Gospel account of the Woman at the Well
I. Life without Faith, or with Faith that is dormantThis January, we will offer a series of video conferences unpacking this stage of our pastoral plan.
Tuesday, January 11th, Video 1: "I am a Claimed Person."
We will reflect together on the Three Kings and the Mystery of the Epiphany to unpack what the words of Jesus mean for each of us: "You did not choose Me but I chose you" (John 15:16). How are we claimed by God through the Sacrament of Baptism?
Friday, January 14th, Video 2: "I am a Washed Person."
We will reflect together on the Mystery of the Healings of Jesus to unpack our own need to challenge dysfunction within ourselves. How can we find the wherewithal to challenge instinct? How can we be challenged and healed from lust and a life based on "having"? In our effort to govern desire, we will unpack the gift of the infused virtues we received in Baptism.
Tuesday, January, 18th Video 3: "I am an Anointed Person."
We will reflect together on the Mystery of the Baptism of the Lord, encountering the Gift of the Holy Spirit, and the "Munera Christi". The "Munera Christi" signifies the three offices of Jesus Christ: He is Priest, Prophet, and King. Through His Priesthood, we will see the Commission we have received to Worship. Through His role as Prophet, we will see our call to a life of undefended hearing and candid telling, which involves the choice not to manipulate others. Through His Kingship, we will make the choice not to dominate.
Friday, January 21st, Video 4: "I am an Enlightened Person."
We will reflect together on the Mystery of the Wedding at Cana, and, through it, our own path of "Fides Querens Intellectum" ("Faith Seeking Understanding"). We will work to live so as to be understand rather than to evaluate.
Tuesday, January 25th, Video 5: "I am a Connected Person."
We will reflect together on the Mystery of the Conversion of St. Paul. How has God made human interdependence the foundation of His Works? What does it mean for us to be incorporated into the Body of Christ?
Friday, January 28th, Video 6: "I am a Sent Person."
We will reflect together on the Mystery of St. Thomas Aquinas and his engagement with his own age. How can we derive from this a deeper understanding of Baptismal Character? What will we learn from his Witness of Struggle? What does this teach us about Mission
In November, we prayerfully contributed suggestions for four saints to be honored in the transepts of the Church. We look forward to adding images of Sts. John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Martin de Porres, & St. Catherine of Siena!