I didn’t know what to expect attending the Pre-Synod event. Driving an hour and a half away for something I knew nothing about seemed like it would be a waste of time. After praying about it all week, I decided if I wanted to be part of a committee going forward, I first have to learn what this whole thing was about. WOW. Was I wrong in my assumption of it being a waste of time. My heart and fire within my soul after was very clear to me that that was exactly where God wanted me to be.
Arriving at the church of Transfiguration in Oakdale, the parking lot was almost full. I was greeted right away at the front door. Then inside was directed on where to get my Synod information packet and survey form. Next I headed into the beautiful church. It was laid out in a semi-circle and had a beautiful stained glass window (fitting as the weekend readings was on the transfiguration). We began by learning the Pre-Synod Prayer song “Come, Holy Spirit.” Then Bishop Andrew Cozzens led us in prayer. Not just any prayer style, but Lectio Divina style. After the first prayer ArchBishop Hebda spoke on the topic of the Holy Spirit. Ironic as this was one of the things that I wanted to continue to learn after spiritual direction last week. How to feel that spirit move. How to listen to God through prayer and be still. He said “if the Holy Spirit is not within us, there is no Synod.”
Arriving at the church of Transfiguration in Oakdale, the parking lot was almost full. I was greeted right away at the front door. Then inside was directed on where to get my Synod information packet and survey form. Next I headed into the beautiful church. It was laid out in a semi-circle and had a beautiful stained glass window (fitting as the weekend readings was on the transfiguration). We began by learning the Pre-Synod Prayer song “Come, Holy Spirit.” Then Bishop Andrew Cozzens led us in prayer. Not just any prayer style, but Lectio Divina style. After the first prayer ArchBishop Hebda spoke on the topic of the Holy Spirit. Ironic as this was one of the things that I wanted to continue to learn after spiritual direction last week. How to feel that spirit move. How to listen to God through prayer and be still. He said “if the Holy Spirit is not within us, there is no Synod.”
After three more prayers then we moved into the gym. Did I mention how many people were there? 440+!!! It was absolutely amazing as I was expecting maybe around 50. In the gym, tables were lined up. We then took a few moments to fill out our survey sheet. The top three were things our parish is doing well and the bottom 3 was how can the Diocese improve. We then went around the table (about 10 people at each) talking about where we were from and our top one that our parish is doing well and where the Diocese could use some help. It was great to hear the responses. Anywhere from Faith Formation programs to getting people back to the Eucharist. This was a fired up group wanting to pursue not only their Catholic faith but to do something about it.
Once that time was complete we went back into the Church where a select handful of people had one minute to speak out loud to the ArchBishop (and the rest of us) an issue or compliment. It was great that he took the time to really listen to each. We concluded in prayer and singing "Oh God Beyond All Praising" (one of my favorite hymns). At the door way as we left the Church Bishop Cozzens greeted everyone and then outside in the parking lot was ArchBishop Hebda. I was shocked at how hospitable they both were. And the overall organization was above the top.
Sure I heard Father talk about it every weekend and how we should attend one of these events. I wished I would have gone to one right away to bring back my experiences and encourage others to attend.
So my questions going forward is how are they going to sift through all that data from the surveys and then what are the parishes expected to do? I find every parish should do something like this every two years to see where they are and how they can unite together and keep the fire of God going. Until I hear more about what’s going to happen next I needed to keep this fire going within me and pray for the Synod.
Sure I heard Father talk about it every weekend and how we should attend one of these events. I wished I would have gone to one right away to bring back my experiences and encourage others to attend.
So my questions going forward is how are they going to sift through all that data from the surveys and then what are the parishes expected to do? I find every parish should do something like this every two years to see where they are and how they can unite together and keep the fire of God going. Until I hear more about what’s going to happen next I needed to keep this fire going within me and pray for the Synod.
After the event I then drove to Wilde Cafe in Minneapolis. I love going there as they have THE best turkey bacon sandwiches. Well...they changed their menu and no longer have it. I was very disappointed. So I ordered my coffee and french toast. It wasn’t normal french toast. I didn’t like it...Still like the surroundings and coffee and it’s close to the Stone Arch Bridge.
The weather was absolutely beautiful for Minnesota in March. I took advantage of having no time limit nor anyone with me. I drove to to Stone Arch Bridge and went for a glorious walk. So many people out walking their dogs, walking with friends, chatting and soaking up the nice day.
It was a wonderful blessed day.
The weather was absolutely beautiful for Minnesota in March. I took advantage of having no time limit nor anyone with me. I drove to to Stone Arch Bridge and went for a glorious walk. So many people out walking their dogs, walking with friends, chatting and soaking up the nice day.
It was a wonderful blessed day.