Cathedral Synod Committee 3rd Workshop

The third workshop of the Cathedral Parish Synod Committee was a decided bounce back from the disappointing turnout at the preceding one which was a sharp pendulum swing from the first. Attendance expectations for this event were met with just shy of 40 participants. Could the venue be the charm? Possibly, though a number of factors were identified for the low numbers last time. One thing is certain; we have been given a blessing in the assurance of the use of the Prevo Cinemall Conference Room whenever available, gratis for future synod committee workshops!

This seminar on Ministerial Priesthood & Vocations which took place from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 followed a similar format to the previous ones – opening prayer, Chairman’s welcome remarks, a brief overview of the purpose and objectives of the seminar, open discussion, and after the break, group discussions where the following questions were considered:

• How do we, as individual parishioners or through collaborative structures like the Parish Council, Finance Committee or other group, assist in supporting the Ministerial Priesthood?

• Role of the Parish Priest in Parish Renewal – How can that be achieved?

• The Priest as Representative of Christ in the community.

• How can we continue to promote vocations and support our priests?

The open discussion set the pace in deliberating the role of the Priest as Disciple and Missionary (not merely parish administrator), Service to the Faithful, Religious Formation, Propagator of the Word, Celebrator of the Eucharist. These topics led to ready responses by participants and from the tone of the comments, openly revealed how keenly we observe our priests and how deeply their actions affect us. The obvious level of concern for the wellbeing of priests (and Religious) was a bit of a surprise, but only insofar as a certain amount of “bashing” was anticipated and as it turned out, the ratio was reversed.

The group discussion reports which are to be presented to the Synod Secretariat clearly identified some of the pressing needs of the Parish, not only as they relate to priests, the priesthood and new vocations, but in matters impacting family life and good of the community. Concrete suggestions were put forward as to how they may be met and what is expected of our priests and the Diocese in ministering to these needs.

In closing, the Committee reiterated its sincere gratitude to Management of Prevo Cinemall for the use of the facilities and thanked everyone for their active participation. Fr. Charles Martin then led the closing prayer and ended with a blessing. Immediate feedback from participants was upbeat and very encouraging.