Let’s All Celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Holy
Family Saturday and Sunday November 23 and 24
It may be hard for some of you to believe, and some of you may not know, and still others of you were present when Holy Family celebrated our first Mass as Advent began in 1984.That Mass was in the cafeteria of Fremd High School because our beautiful campus and church had yet to be built. Many of you as founding parishioners fondly refer to those early years as having Mass at “St. Fremd.” Several years later, because of our growth and your generosity, we were able to build not only this beautiful facility but, more importantly, a unique, vibrant Catholic community and Academy.
We want to acknowledge where we have come in forty years in several special ways. In the 40 days leading up to that weekend, we will share 40 fun facts about the history of our community during Masses. The 5:00 pm Mass on Saturday, November 23 will include video presentations, special guests and other creative elements with a reception following including hors d’oeuvres and drinks in the Narthex. We will also offer special hospitality following each Mass on Sunday, November 24. Fr. Med Laz, our founding pastor, will be one of the special guests.
Please mark your calendar and join us that weekend and spread the word to any former parishioners to come and celebrate where we have come and what we have accomplished as a Holy Family Catholic Community!
Synodal Process Will Guide our Next 40 Years and Beyond
Our 40th parish anniversary provides an opportunity to look back recalling where we have been and to pause to celebrate where we are. In addition, I have initiated a movement to lead us into the next 40 years and beyond. This initiative is called Be More: A Movement of Growth. I have been very inspired by Pope Francis who has brought back a very spiritual and thorough initiative for growth. Francis has rejuvenated our larger church by bringing back the SYNODAL PROCESS for church growth.
What is a Synod? Simply put, a Synod is an assembly of church leaders who address and make recommendations regarding matters of great importance. A Synod does not follow Robert’s Rules of Order; rather it is a way of proceeding by discernment and consensus. Notice the definition mentions leaders. I want to empower a Leadership Team to carry out the Synodal Process with as many parishioners as possible to hear a greater voice from you during a challenging time when fewer people are choosing to engage in or participate in church.
In a few days, in Rome, the synodal conversation in the spirit will resume. Phase one of the conversation took place last year, and we recently began it here at Holy Family. This process will accomplish several leadership initiatives and then engage all parishioners around significant parish issues, concerns and goals. My hope is that this Movement of Growth will engage all parishioners in participating in meaningful conversation and feedback that previous parish pastoral councils could not.
Pope Francis is leading this initiative in Rome that gathers participants from the world over to not only talk about issues and ideas but to LISTEN. Intentional and authentic listening is a key component to this process. So far, I have gathered a Leadership Team and introduced them to and led them through the synodal process. We have also gathered our entire staff and led them through the process as well. I want to thank Ro Geisler, Dennis Brown, Mary Whiteside and Michael Patti from our staff for providing initial formation and guidance for the overall Synodal Process and leading staff and the Be More: A Movement of Growth Leadership Team composed of parishioners.
Thus far, through intentional listening and discussion that the Synodal Process has generated, the Leadership Team has identified some priorities and strategies for beginning to lead our entire parish through this process.
The Synodal Process does not generate a document like a Vatican Council does. The Synodal Process enables the Holy Spirit to work in a community to generate a lasting impact. A Vatican Council emphasizes discussion, but a Synod balances both discussion and listening that honors a greater number of participants. Most parish councils tend to engage leadership more than parishioners. This Synodal Process that we will participate in over the next few years will engage more parishioners.
Much more will come in the future.