APRIL 29, 2022
mississippicatholic.com
Regional synod sessions bring ideas for unity, evangelization, education BY JOANNA PUDDISTER KING BERTA MEXIDOR
structure of the diocese.” Those focus areas are healing and unity; adult formation for evangelization, JACKSON – Catholics around the diand education of youth. Those who parocese shared their hopes for the church ticipated were asked to reflect on how the with Bishop Joseph Kopacz and members diocese and at a local church level could of the Synod Advisory Council at regional address the focus areas, giving concrete exlistening sessions held around the diocese amples on how to address them. over the past five weeks. Many comments around the diocese reA total of ten sessions were held from lated to the faith formation of adults, with March 21 through April 19, with two several pointing to the 2019 Pew Research sessions delayed due to bouts of severe student that approximately 70% of Cathoweather around the state. These regional lics believe that the bread and wine used sessions were the next step after parishes in Communion are only symbolic and not across the diocese conducted individual in the church’s teaching of transubstantilistening sessions to hear from people who ation, where the bread and wine actually fill the pews and those who no longer feel become the Body and Blood of Jesus. connected to the church. From the indiFran Patterson of St. Francis Madison vidual sessions the Synod Advisory Counsaid she felt a call and a need that the cil reviewed every submission from each church “needs to explain to everyone why parish that participated and identified core issues on the minds of those across the di- MADISON – Cecilia Carlton of St. Paul Flowood attended the first regional we do what we do – why we believe it,” referring to the study. She suggested engagocese. synod session held at St. Francis Madison on Monday, March 21. Carlton During the regional sessions, Fran and others around the diocese shared ways that the diocese can address the ing programs like Father Burke Masters, Lavelle, director of faith formation for focus areas of healing and unity; adult formation for evangelization, and edu- “Be Formed” program. Patterson said that she and others at St. Francis have completthe diocese and chair of the Synod Ad- cation of youth. (Photo by Joanna Puddister King) ed two 90-day series and that the series is visory Council reviewed the things that “profound.” formation and education of lay leaders; increased faith were heard in the synod listening sessions. “Both some of us as converts, and others as cradle These included the need to create community outreach formation opportunities for adults; the need for more opportunities, both within the church and the larger evangelization efforts; ways to reach the young church; Catholics, we were blown away,” said Patterson. “The richness that is now coming from us actively particicommunity; a need for healing with regard to marriages, among others. In each regional session, Lavelle went over the above pating in Mass is profound and we have a desire to do annulments, LGBTQ, Racial and ethnic divisions and the sexual abuse scandal; a need for unity; a way to be inclu- results and said, “what we really want to do is focus on more.” – Continued on page 6 – sive of all cultures and diverse communities; increased those areas that came up that we can address within the AND
Pontifical Mission Societies staff accompanies Ukrainians in Holy Week BY CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
with the people, to journey with them through our Lord's passion and crucifixion, to LVIV, Ukraine – For Msgr. Kieran Harrington, national director of the Pontifical remind them of the hope of the resurrection." The Pontifical Mission Societies are intended to help the church grow, including Mission Societies in the United States, the timing of his visit to Ukraine – Holy Week with programs for children. according to the Julian calendar – was intentional. "But now we are in war," Msgr. Harrington said, "and many of those who have "I thought that it is important at this moment of war to come to a place we support to be with those who are in the midst of suffering, to be with Christ where he is suffer- supported our work want to help with the immediate need. And so that is why I am here, to bring that immediate help for food, for medicine. Our brothers and sisters are ing now, to stand at the foot of the cross here in Ukraine," he said. "You cannot stop the suffering, but you can be with them, so that they know they suffering, so we give what we can." Traveling with Msgr. Harrington throughout Ukraine were Father Sebastian Sardo, are not suffering by themselves, so they know that they are not alone," he said. "It matters that someone comes and cares about your suffering." – Continued on page 6 – Msgr. Harrington admitted a bit of fear traveling to INSIDE THIS WEEK Ukraine. "And then I meet mothers concerned about their children, who've heard the pounding of bombs and the scaring effect of that. I speak to a young girl who had gone through that experience and is looking at her sister and not wanting her sister to experience that. "And others feel hatred for what is being done and are so upset that they are hating, because they know we are made for love. This is the takeaway for me. That God made us to love. And war makes us hate." Bringing humanitarian aid and other assistance for From tthe he archi archives hives hi 13 Youth 19 Sr. Thea Sr h Bowman 9 the outreach by the church in Ukraine and in Poland, Woodward explores statues Youth images and features Smithsonian seeks to make Msgr. Harrington noted that "spiritual accompaniment" was critical as well: "to be here in Holy Week, to pray around the diocese from around the diocese Sr. Thea Boman exhibit