BCL Newsletter Week 42

In these days, the Catholic Church throughout the world and in Ireland is beginning a series of conversations about what God wants of his people at this time. These conversations are often referred to as a Synodal Process. "Synodal” comes from a Greek word which means “walking together”

Sharing experiences of faith

In starting this Church-wide process, Pope Francis is “inviting us to listen again to each other, hearing experiences of faith with all its joys and disappointments, and to find new ways of strengthening each other. He hopes this will help us to discern how God’s presence comes into our lives and what the Spirit of God is prompting us to do anew, so that we might be more alive and creative in our response to the call of Jesus, our Way, Truth and Life”.

The purpose of the Synod is not to produce more documents

Citing the recent guide on the synodal process issued by the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops, the letter further explains that the purpose of the Synod is not to produce more documents: “Rather it is intended to inspire people to dream about the church we are called to be, to make hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds, to weave new and deeper relationships, to learn from one another, to build bridges, to enlighten minds, warm hearts and restore strength to our hands for our common mission.”

Listening “should come first”

This is why participation in the process should be focused not so much on discussing ideas, but in “sharing experience” and, on that basis, “trying to sense what needs to be done, all shaped by prayer and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit”.

Though talking is important for every relationship, listening “should come first. The pathway is listening, the task is discerning together the important lessons and prompting of the Holy Spirit, and the outcome greater participation in the life and mission given to us by the Lord. This lovely initiative of Pope Francis is an opportunity for us to show our care for the family of the Church. It shines with the Holy Father’s character of openness, compassion, and eagerness for renewal”

PRAYER FOR THE 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. We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. 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. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time. Amen

Books are placed in each Church for remembrance of those who died during the Covid 19 times

Cathedral Draw beginning

Wednesday evening 29th September

for twelve monthly draws.

Tickets available - €10 per month:

Dooley’s Garage, Georges Tree,

John McGrath, News and Chews,

Ms. Sheila Walshe and Sr. Mary Freeman

As you are aware, the St. Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund Draw has for the past number of years been a most welcome support of the Cathedral and a great aid in works undertaken therein. As I have noted before, I am taken by its beauty each time I come to celebrate Mass in your fine Cathedral. I want to thank the generosity of all of you in the parishes who do so much each year to support and encourage the draw. This draw in these past six years raised nearly €600,000. If you are in a position to support the draw this year beginning with the first of twelve draws on Wednesday 29^th September 2021. Your support, as always, is much appreciated.

Bishop Denis Nulty, Apostolic Administrator, Ossory.