Per requests, consider this attempt to shed new light on how Synodal Listening might interplay with our advocate's role to develop potential pathways, in greater depth, for the future of Saint Patrick's Church, our very survival as a faith community together.
Most would agree that the work of the advocates, together with the parish, is what we must do for ourselves, and for the many before us who through some extremely difficult times prevailed in keeping Saint Patrick's parish alive and intact.
The Synod might be viewed as an effort to resuscitate the hierarchy, and the entire Catholic Church herself. Our parish participation in the 2021-2023 Synod is not an absolute requirement for our survival as a faith community together; yet the process of listening to each other, as Pope Francis requests of us, is precisely necessary for our survival as a faith community together (Catholic or not).
To keep the church alive, the hierarchy has no choice but to engage in dialog. Two questions posed by Pope Francis begin a conversation. In real dialog, statements are only a first part of responding; countering queries are no less important in continuing meaningful dialog. While questions posed mightn't garner direct response(s) in the near term, it is possible that in a process of formulating questions a future pathway for our faith community might become clear. We humbly request constructive criticism of the attached draft timeline and the proposed process itself; your opinions and input are needed and greatly appreciated.
