What has been life-giving?
Virtual participation at Saint Patrick Church has been life-giving. His present connection is weakened from Philadelphia, but he is enlivened knowing parishioners by name and by sight, being part of a vibrant, vital and lively worship, where members take ownership. We sing what is composed by choir member(s), liturgical dance is created and coordinated, we witness members living discipleship. Although he cannot attend mass in person, he is consoled, inspired by live-streamed mass each Sunday, knowing the parish is carrying on with fervent commitment to justice, sacred encounters, Sister Parish of Nueva Trinidad, St. Vincent de Paul, action and concern for climate. There is formation in the church itself, such as movie nights, by which members grow and enliven the church through discipleship. He could say more if on the Saint Patrick Church ground.
What will bring joy in your life?
Continued existence of Saint Patrick Church. For him, the parish higher good is most desired. If there is no way to avoid merger, he will find joy if the charisms at Saint Patrick Church are welcomed by the new community and Saint Patrick’s Church could be open to how the new community can nourish and challenge us to grow.
He hopes that the global synodal process will yield suggestions and questions that the bishops and Rome take seriously. He will find joy when all pandemic restrictions are lifted and when all parishes can be themselves again. He hopes the Synod will prompt Rome to re-examine male-only, celibate-only priesthood, and that teaching practices concerning sexual minorities will likewise be re-examined. He hopes Pope Francis remains Pope, as he is a much-needed and very long overdue breath of fresh air. He hopes church leaders will be taken more seriously. Although progress on sexual abuse scandals have come someway, it is not yet far enough, and there are so many bishops still to be replaced.