The Archdiocese of Newark joined dioceses throughout the world in celebrating a special Opening Mass on Oct. 17 to launch “Synod 2021-2023: For a Synodal Church,” a two-year re-examination of the way the Catholic Church is listening to and walking with its parishioners.
Like other dioceses worldwide, the opening Mass was the Archdiocese’s first significant step in participating in the worldwide “synod on synodality” initiated by Pope Francis on Oct. 10. Next, as part of its synodal journey, the Archdiocese will coordinate listening sessions for its 212 parishes, at which Catholics will be encouraged to share their opinions on what is expected of today’s Church. Sessions will be guided by universal questions for dioceses worldwide examining the perceptions of today’s Catholics.
During his homily on Oct. 17 at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., explained that a “synod” is a global process of discussion and reflection on a topic of particular importance to the Church. He cautioned that the synodal process “is not simply a series of meetings,” but “an effort to open ourselves to a permanent conversion of heart.”
“The synod will shine a light on the cracks of our church” and is an opportunity for a “change of a culture of our Church at all levels,” he said.
“The synod recognizes that the people of God – those who have been called out of darkness into light by virtue of their baptism — is called to walk the same road. And sometimes it means they realize they’re going the wrong way,” Cardinal Tobin said.
Learn more about the synodal process by clicking the Vatican Synod website.
The Annual Appeal will fund essential programs and ministries at the heart of our Catholic mission in our four counties – namely to proclaim the gospel, to pass on the faith to future generations, particularly through the celebration of the sacraments, and to care for the poor and those on the margins.
Now more than ever, especially during this health crisis, our ministries and programs need your support.Will you prayerfully consider making a gift to the 2023 Annual Appeal?
You can now submit your prayer petitions or intentions through this website just like our book of intentions in the back of our church. All prayer requests will be remembered in the daily offering of the Mass.
Our Lord Jesus Christ said to Sister Faustina: "I remind you, My daughter, that as often as you hear the clock strike the third hour, immerse yourself completely in My mercy, adoring and glorifying it; invoke its omnipotence for the whole world, and particularly for poor sinners; for at that moment mercy was opened wide for every soul. (…) It was the hour of grace for the whole world – mercy triumphed over justice” (Diary 1572)
Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless and the treasury of compassion inexhaustible, look kindly upon us and increase Your mercy in us, that in difficult moments we might not despair nor become despondent, but with great confidence submit ourselves to Your holy will, which is Love and Mercy itself.
Let us continue to send our prayers and petitions to our Blessed Mother for our loved ones who have strayed far away from the church and for all the families of our parish. Let us continue to pray the Rosary to heal wounds of division among us and soften our hearts to receive His grace and blessings with trust and confidence in her never failing intercession.