Dear Parishioners and Friends of Our Lady of Purgatory,
Last week we listed the suggested points that Bishop Gregory sent us for our Synodal survey.
Our Synodal Team met this week and they chose the following 5 points on which to focus the survey.
1.JOURNEYING COMPANIONS
In the Church and in society, we are side by side on the same road.
2. LISTENING
Listening is the first step, but it requires having an open mind and heart, without prejudices.
3. SPEAKING OUT
All are invited to speak with courage and parrhesia, that is, integrating freedom, truth, and charity.
6. DIALOGUE IN CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Dialogue is a path of perseverance that also includes silences and sufferings, but which is capable of gathering the experience of persons and peoples.
8. AUTHORITY AND PARTICIPATION
A synodal Church is a participatory and co-responsible Church.
Next week the team will further discuss these points and select/develop the questions that will be available for your input.
A link to the questions will be posted on the OLOP website: ourladyofpurgatory.org.
The link will bring you to a survey where you will have the opportunity to add your input.
As a general rule we would like you to answer the questions in relation to the general Maronite Catholic Church first and then consider how they apply to our beloved OLOP.
We will consolidate your answers and develop a report for the Eparchy as well as for you to read.
The survey is anonymous so please consider it a safe place for you to list your ideas and opinions.
This is a rare opportunity for us to talk directly to the Synod of Bishops and in turn to the Pope, so please take the time to answer in thoughtful, helpful and honest ways.
Next week’s note will provide more information on how to access and complete the final survey.
God Bless you all.
Fr. Vincent
