A Church Open to Everyone – Pope Francis

Saint Mary Catholic Community – A Place of Welcome

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of October is the following: “A Church Open to Everyone. We pray for the Church; ever faithful to, and courageous in preaching the Gospel, may the Church be a community of solidarity, fraternity and welcome, always living in an atmosphere of synodality.” *

            We’ve heard a lot about “synodality” recently because of Pope Francis’ call for a two year global synodal path to “encounter, listen and discern.” Synodality is fundamentally about journeying together through listening to one another and recognizing the Holy Spirit can speak through any one of us. 

            So if we are to have a church “open to everyoneliving in an atmosphere of synodality” what questions might arise? Perhaps first, we, as the people of God, should ask who is excluded, why the exclusion and what is it that we can learn from these people? What are we all missing out on?

            Some people who struggle belonging to the Church include divorced and remarried Catholics, gender non-binary individuals, people who question their faith or beliefs, women who feel a call to serve in roles designated for men, some ethnic or racial groups, those disillusioned by the scandals and abuses in the church and others who may feel marginalized.

            As Church we need to look honestly at the barriers these people encounter and reach out in dialogue. Do these barriers need to exist? Are there options or alternatives? What different perspectives do people who feel excluded bring and can we acknowledge the Holy Spirit speaking through them? What biases and prejudices are coloring our experiences and what of these can we lay aside?

            In a recent webinar from the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Franciscan Fr. Richard Rohr, four panelists, including Fr. Rohr, discussed “The Future of Christianity.”  The panelists concluded that for Christianity (including Catholicism) to thrive it will need to welcome and be open to diversity.

            Pope Francis’ intentions are clear: We need to be a Church open to all, willing to journey forward in fellowship, welcome and solidarity and to do so we must listen, encounter and engage with one another including those who feel estranged. May we all be open to the Holy Spirit, in ourselves and in one another.

* https://www.usccb.org/prayers/popes-monthly-intentions-2022

Fr. Jim Martin talks with Pope Francis

An article from America magazine explaining  the current status of divorced, remarried Catholics and communion after Pope Francis’ document “Amoris Laetitia.”

https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/04/08/amoris-laetitia-pope-francis-five-years-divorced-remarried-catholics-240412

An article from America magazine about the call of some women to be deacons. https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2021/09/24/women-deacons-catholic-241495

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St. Mary Catholic Community is seeking a qualified Director of Pastoral Care to support the operations of Saint Mary Catholic Community. This position reports to the Pastor and serves the parish by overseeing and coordinating ministries that provide spiritual, emotional, and physical care to individuals and families. Rooted in Catholic teachings and the mission of the Church, the Director ensures that all programs reflect compassion, mercy and the dignity of every person.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education/experience in Theology, Pastoral Ministry, Social Work, Nursing or a related field. Strong organizational and communications skills are essential.

This is a part-time salaried position, working 32 hours per week, with benefits. Annual salary range is $36,500 to $39,500, depending on experience.

For a complete job description and list of qualifications for the position, please click HERE.

Apply by sending your cover letter, resume and three professional references to jhaddon@stmaryhelena.org. This position will remain open until filled.

You are invited to the blessing of a place to celebrate diversity, to celebrate Saint Teresa of Calcutta March 4 at 12:45 in the Gathering Space!

Saint Mary Catholic Community
Saint Mary Catholic Community

Saint Mary Catholic Community