Communiqué 10 — Spiritual Development
National Chairperson of Spiritual Development Cathy Bouchard, March 15, 2023
Enlarge The Space of Your Tent (Poster)
The Exodus Journey to Easter – A Lenten Retreat Seminar
March 31st, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. (CST)
This retreat can offer members a way to share the wisdom of National Spiritual Advisor Most Rev. Stephen Jensen (Prince George). Please ask your diocesan counterparts to encourage members to bring themselves closer to the Lord by reflecting and preparing for Holy Week. They can become more purposeful and have a deeper understanding of how Holy Week creates meaning in their Christian, Catholic lives. Members share in understanding Jesus’ suffering so they can share in the mystery of Jesus’ resurrection.
Register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2511742383441124444
Heart to Heart Webinars (March and April)
I am pleased to share that the League is hosting three free online workshops! Read about these insightful presentations and ask your diocesan counterparts to share the information with members.
Act Justly, Love Tenderly, Walk Humbly
March 28th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CDT)
Register at: attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/911720967579322965
Who Me? A Leader?
April 15th, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CDT)
Growing in Faith
This webinar, initially scheduled for March 18th, has been postponed. A new date will be announced in the future.
These webinars will be presented by Sr. Susan Scott, Christa Grillmair and Jacqueline Nogier, the implementation committee leads. All members are invited to attend.
Synod on Synodality – Where are we now?
The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) has provided updates regarding the Synod on Synodality. However, as the process in the church moves to the continental phase of the consultation, many wonder what will come of it all and ask, “How can the church, at all levels, keep the energy, the conversations and the dialogue going throughout the process?”
The CCCB notes, “As part of the Synodal journey in North America, a joint writing team comprised of individuals appointed by the… (CCCB) and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) worked together on the Continental Phase’s Final Document for North America.”
There are 18 members of this writing team. Among the seven individuals appointed by the CCCB to represent the church in Canada is former Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and Honorary Life Member Barb Dowding.
The writing team will continue refining its document before submitting it to the Synod Secretariat on March 31st. “The final documents from all of the continents will then be used to draft the Instrumentum Laboris for the Synod of Bishops in two sessions: the first from 4 to 29 October 2023, the second in October 2024” (CCCB).
In the meantime, members can continue this virtual conversation, learn about the synodal process going forward and explore ways to stay informed and engaged.
Enlarge the Space of Your Tent: A virtual panel conversation on the Continental Stage of the Synod on Synodality
March 21st, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. (CDT)
Welcome to part two of a series of virtual conversations that will provide an opportunity to learn about the synodal process going forward and explore ways to stay informed and engaged throughout.
Please see the attached poster for more information. Registration is required and can be accessed at starofthenorth.ca/enlarge or by calling (780) 459-5511.
Think ahead: Virtual Reconciliation Rosary on National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21st).
Cathy Bouchard
National Second Vice-President and Chairperson of Communications