Sunday Reflections

Visit the archive of all published reflections.

Women Deacons in the First Millennium of the Church

Where and how did women deacons begin?  Some might say, “Oh, it began with Phoebe.  You know, she’s the one that Paul praised in his letter to the Romans more….

Phoebe’s Story

In case you missed it, September 3^rd is St. Phoebe’s Feast Day.  I’m guessing that you missed it.  I’m also guessing that you may well be wondering this: Who, exactly, is Phoebe?  And why is she considered so important that she’s given a Feast Day? More…

An Invitation to Participate in the Synod

Click here for larger, printable invitation

On October 10, Rochester Bishop Salvatore Matano opened the diocesan phases of the worldwide synod called by Pope Francis. The synod will move from a diocesan phase to a continental phase, and finally to the universal phase in Rome in early 2023.

Now you have a chance to share your thoughts. Please bring your love and your hopes to these consultations to be held by Zoom presented by Don’t Throw in the Towel.  Two remaining sessions are scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 pm, on Feb 3 and March 3 where you will be heard and your input will be respected as together we intend to fill in the diocesan form and also get it to the Pope.  To register for either or both sessions, email dontthrowinthetowel@gmail.com. You will then receive the Zoom link.

You want Jesus’ church to more closely follow Jesus’ words and ways.  Here is a great opportunity to be heard as if you were at the council of Jerusalem, an early synodal experience. Religious orders discern together in a synodal way of listening with respect to one another.  Some of your small faith sharing groups may have been synodal experiences.

We also encourage you to fill in the Synod Input form you find on our diocesan website (https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sv/FdVInzb) or the USCCB website by March 30 and participate in your parish Synod consultations and offer to facilitate parish consultations but don’t miss these 1st Thursday sessions as we’ll really hear one another out and by March 3 we’ll have gathered input for all 10 themes.  To evoke your hopes we’re rephrasing the questions on the input form.  Pope Francis believes what scripture tells us – that the Holy Spirit is in each one of us!  So, Pope Francis wants to hear from us.  If you have to miss a session or 2 please come to what you can and bring your openhearted and open minded friends.

Heidi Schlumpf, editor of National Catholic Reporter will come to Rochester at our invitation in May to speak about church reform. We’ll let you know the date when we firm that up.

For more information on the diocesan phase, see the Catholic Courier story at https://catholiccourier.com/articles/in-union-with-pope-francis-rochester-diocese-opens-synod/

We’ll post more on ways to participate in the synod at the diocesan level as details are available.

Purpose

God’s Word Many Voices continues and celebrates the 40 plus year history of lay preaching in the Diocese of Rochester, N.Y. This website offers our ever-expanding roster of gifted and highly educated lay preachers a forum to share diverse viewpoints that inform and inspire our readers. We offer these weekly homilies to nurture the faith of our readers and to bring health and vitality to our church.

Upcoming Events

Click here to view Complete calendar
[calendar id=”506″]