SYNODAL LISTENING SESSION REPORT
3/20/2022
Talker - Silvana Hale
Listener - Vicki Tiberio
Scribe - Anne Baisch/Silvana Hale
It breaks my heart that the Catholic Church seems to act evermore like a corporatocracy than a heart-filled, Christ-Centered religious and spiritual body. Where is the love and accountability to that standard with regard to:
· The clerical pedophilia scandal which the hierarchy has perpetuated and enabled the problem by covering it up and moving the abusers from one location to another?
· The sense of entitlement of the clergy when bishops and some priests hide behind rules and power when too many bishops and priests exude a sense of superiority and callous disregard for the people in the pews; when they don’t engage with the laity as Christ-like servant leaders and avoid accountability for their action?
· The subordinate role of women in leadership that is demeaning, makes us/me feel less than equal, and limits our collective ability to serve the mission of the church.
· The failure to include parents in guiding their children in their religious and spiritual journeys.
· LGBTQ+ people who have been treated so inhumanely and caused/allowed them to die feeling that they were destined to go to hell.
It fills my heart to be a member of a church that lives love, values the legacies of spiritual leaders such as Pope John XXIII, Archbishop Hunthausen, and Bishop Remy De Roo and sustains itself in the spirit of Vatican II. I find love, sustenance, and growth from:
· inspiring eucharistic celebrations
· friends who share my values
· an inclusive and welcoming community
· compassionate outreach to the sick, homeless, and needy
· commitment to justice, Catholic Social Teachings, and engagement with the vulnerable
· ecumenical and interfaith events and activities
· parish sisters and brothers with special needs and active in ministries and councils
· affirming LGBTQ+ people
· youth engaged in the celebrations
· strong lay leadership
· shared value in the role of women at all levels in equity with men