Our Lady Help of Christians and Saint Helen Catholic Church
Parish General Assembly 2023
Letter from the Pastor
Rev. Fr. Alex Poblador, RCJ
Dear coordinators/representatives of the different groups present in our beloved parish community and all parishioners at Saint Helen's Westcliff.
​
We invite you to participate in our upcoming parish general assembly. As a community of faith committed to the spirituality of Synodality, we believe that all community members must be actively involved in the life and mission of the Church, particularly here at St. Helen's Parish in Westcliff. The purpose of the general assembly is to engage in meaningful dialogue and discernment about the future of our parish community. We hope that by coming together and sharing our thoughts and ideas, we can create a shared vision grounded in the Gospel message of love and unity.
We invite you to bring your unique perspectives and experiences as we work together to build a more welcoming, inclusive, and compassionate community. The success of our general assembly depends on the participation of all community members, and we encourage you to be a part of this vital process.
Attached is a primer to orient and remind the participants about the meaning and significance of synodality, the various areas of parish ministries, questions for discussions, and a prayer for the success of the general assembly.
Please mark your calendars for the assembly date, Saturday, 29th of April 2023, at the Parish Hall, and we look forward to seeing you there. Let us unite in prayer and collaboration as we work towards a brighter future for our parish community.
Primer
2
Spirituality of Synodality
The Spirituality of Synodality is a way of understanding and living the Church's mission as a faith community. It emphasizes the importance of listening, dialogue, and collaboration among all members of the Church, including clergy, laity, and those with diverse views and experiences.
Various areas of parish ministries.
-
Worship and Liturgy: Parishioners can participate in liturgical ministries such as Eucharistic ministers, altar servers, lectors, choir, and music ministry.
-
Faith Formation: This ministry involves the formation and education of all members of the parish community in the Catholic faith, including children, youth, and adults. This ministry includes Religious Education, Bible studies, RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults), and various faith formation programs.
-
Social Outreach and Justice: This ministry involves reaching out to those in need and promoting social justice. Parishioners can participate in various outreach programs such as food banks, shelters, and visitation of the sick and elderly.
-
Evangelization: This ministry focuses on sharing the good news of the Gospel with those who are not part of the Church. Parishioners can participate in evangelization programs such as door-to-door visits, Alpha courses, and other initiatives promoting evangelization.
-
Parish Life: This ministry organizes social events and activities that unite the community. Parishioners can participate in parish life events such as potluck dinners, picnics, and other community-building activities.
-
Stewardship: This ministry involves the responsible management of the resources, talents, and time God has given us. Parishioners can participate in various stewardship programs such as financial stewardship, volunteering, and other initiatives that promote good stewardship.
​
Parishioners are encouraged to participate in various areas of parish ministries that speak to their gifts, passions, and talents and to find ways to use their skills for the good of the community. By working together in various areas of ministry, the parish community can grow in faith and love and fulfill its mission of spreading the Gospel message to all.
Guide questions to facilitate the discussions:
-
In which areas of parish ministry do you feel most energized and passionate? Why do these areas resonate with you?
-
In which areas of parish ministry do you feel least engaged or motivated? Why do these areas feel challenging for you?
-
In the spirit of Synodality, how can we collaborate and support one another in our parish ministries and ensure all areas are attended to?
Participants to the General Assembly and all parishioners are highly encouraged to email their answers to these questions to Fr. Viktor (vikeia@rcj.org) on or before 28 April 2023.
Prayer for the Success of the General Assembly 2023
Heavenly Father, as we prepare for our parish general assembly, we ask for your guidance and wisdom in our discussions and decision-making. Help us to remain focused on your Gospel message of love and unity. Grant us the courage to listen to the perspectives and concerns of others actively and to engage in respectful and compassionate dialogue. We pray for the success of our assembly that it may be a time of fruitful collaboration and discernment. May our discussions be guided by the Holy Spirit, and may we be empowered to make decisions in line with your will and benefit the community. Bless our leaders and participants, inspire them with your grace, and strengthen them with your love. Please help us to live out the spirituality of Synodality in all we do so that we may witness the transformative power of your Gospel. Amen.
Possible Framework for the Full Implementation of Synodality in Saint Helen's Catholic Church - Westcliff
-
Theological Foundations: The Church should provide a robust theological foundation for Synodality, emphasizing the biblical and theological principles that support the participation and collaboration of all members of the Church in the mission of Christ.
-
Education and Formation: The Church should provide ongoing education and formation programs that enable all members of the Church to understand and embrace the principles of Synodality. This program could include seminars, workshops, and other programs that promote dialogue and collaboration.
-
Structures and Processes: The Church should create structures and processes that facilitate the participation and collaboration of all members of the Church in decision-making processes. This plan could include the establishment of synods, councils, and other bodies that promote dialogue and discernment.
-
Leadership Development: The Church should provide leadership development programs that equip leaders at all levels of the Church to facilitate the participation and collaboration of all members of the Church in decision-making processes.
-
Communication and Transparency: The Church should promote transparency and communication in decision-making processes, ensuring that all members of the Church have access to information and can participate in the process.
-
Evaluation and Review: The Church should regularly evaluate and review its implementation of Synodality, seeking feedback from all members of the Church and making adjustments as necessary.
-
Prayer and Discernment: The Church should emphasize the importance of prayer and discernment in all decision-making processes, recognizing that the guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential for the success of Synodality.