Fall Synod: A Reflection

From October the first to the fifth 2008 the Reformed Catholic Church held its Fall Synod in Columbus Ohio. It was a wonderous affair that truly was spiritually enlightening for those who made the effort to attend. An international affair there were clergy form Ireland, Africa and myself from Australia and all the clergy from across the United States. Synod was a busy time of learning and sharing, joy and pain and many wonderful opportunities for all to share in the Eucharistic Mysteries that lie at the heart of our Church.

Six new bishops (of which I was one) and one archbishop were consecrated and four men took up the challenge of the diaconate. But most of all what stood out for me and still does was watching the people of the RCC in action. Both the clergy and the laity moved with one heart and one voice, and at the core of this unity was and is ‘Servant Leadership’. This theme underscores all that the RCC does and is particularly apparent amongst its leadership, no airs and graces here rather a practical attitude of living the Gospel message and the willingness to take that message right where it is needed.

During my time in Columbus I saw archbishops, bishops, priests, religious and laity on the streets ministering to the poor, the sick, the hungry, the forgotten. In fact they would be embarrassed in me mentioning this fact for they seek no kudos for their work. But it is experiencing this practical side of ministry that heightens the whole experience of Synod and gives a true insight into the mission of the RCC worldwide. As Archbishop Zimmerman often says: “To really understand the RCC, one has to experience Synod”. And what an experience it proved to be, I invite all interested to come to the next Synod: For All are Welcome in this Place.

+Ian

Some food for thought.

I was sent this as an email and decided to share it as it raises some good points.

Msgr. Ian+

> >> The obituary of
> >> Mr. Common Sense – interesting and sadly rather true.
> >>
> >> Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has
> >> been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was since
> >> his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be
> >> remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as; knowing when to
> >> come in out of the rain; why the early bird gets the worm; Life isn’t
> >> always fair; and maybe it was my fault.
> >>
> >> Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more
> >> than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in
> >> charge).
> >>
> >> His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but
> >> overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy
> >> charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens
> >> suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher
> >> fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
> >>
> >> Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job
> >> that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly
> >> children.
> >>
> >> It declined even further when schools were required to get parental
> >> consent to administer sun lotion or an Aspirin to a student but could not
> >> inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an
> >> abortion.
> >>
> >> Common Sense lost the w ill to live as the Churches became businesses.
> >> Also when criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common
> >> Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in
> >> your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
> >>
> >> Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to
> >> realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in
> >> her lap and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
> >>
> >> Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his
> >> wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son, Reason. He
> >> is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now,
> >> Someone Else Is To Blame, and I’m A Victim.
> >>
> >> Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone. If you
> >> still remember him, pass this on. If not, join the majority and do
> >> nothing.’

Back in Business

Dear friends, sorry for the absence from the world of blogging my computer died and I have just gotten another. So it is back to business as usual from tomorrow with the daily posts. I look forward to sharing with you all again.

Pax

Msgr. Ian+