From the Bishop, an invitation to Renew

In the past year, nearly 100 training sessions have been held, with more than 10,000 participants -- men and women, priests and lay people, deacons and religious, adults and youth. People have embraced the vision of Renew 2000 with zeal and enthusiasm.

I am deeply gratified by the energy, talent and commitment so many have shown in preparing for Renew 2000. Their hard work and dedication have led us to where we stand now, at the threshold of Season 1 of Renew 2000.

Happy birthday

Our 2,000th birthday, therefore, should be an occasion of great celebration and rejoicing. However, we are called to do more to mark our birthday than simply have a party. Pope John Paul II has exhorted us to look ahead to the third millennium and to celebrate the jubilee in ways that will continue to build up our faith community.

Our Holy Father has directed us to look into our hearts in order to deepen our personal faith, and to connect with, support and challenge our fellow pilgrims on this planet.

Chance for 2000

In those gatherings, members are encouraged to reflect upon the Scriptures and to pray together. They are invited to share their faith experiences as followers of Jesus. They are asked to support one another in their efforts to pursue Gospel values in our secular contemporary culture. Hopefully, they will grow closer to one another as people of faith than is possible in our large gatherings at weekend liturgies.

People throughout our Diocese will be invited to join one of these gatherings under the auspices of Renew 2000. They will be asked to invest 90 minutes a week for six weeks, beginning in early October. In return, they will receive friendship, support, food for thought, prayers and spiritual growth.

Small groups

Ten years ago, in my pastoral letter "We Are God's Priestly People," I wrote: "Small faith communities within the larger parish...break down the depersonalization which is so prevalent in our society at large. They create a sense of belonging...and provide the opportunity for people to explore their faith in a warm, caring, and supportive environment.

"I am convinced that such small faith communities are the wave of the future....These small communities become a powerful vehicle for stimulating faith, for fostering spiritual growth, for providing support and affirmation, for developing leaders, for promoting evangelization, and for outreach to serve the needs of the wider parish and community."

Please RSVP

On behalf of your parish, I extend my personal invitation to join a small faith community. I hope you will give yourself this gift. If you do, our Diocese will be greatly enriched; and together we will enable the Church to remain the dynamic community of faith, love and service that Our Lord and Savior Jesus has empowered it to be through the saving mystery of His life, death and resurrection.

(09-17-98) [[In-content Ad]]