Author: Kathy

Information on Synod 16

Kathy Weekly message

As this Archdiocese is preparing for Synod 16 we on our part will have the opportunity to contribute as each parish will be holding “Parish Dialogue Gatherings.” This is an opportunity that is open for all to help the Archbishop and the whole of the Archdiocese to help build a universal Church where everyone will feel welcomed.  Many of us are not used to hearing the word Synod – lot of information is provided on the Archdiocesan website –aod.org.  But for those of you who are not able to do that here is some information on what a Synod is.

In the words of Most Rev. Allen H. Vigneron:  “Synods are by God’s grace something powerful in the life of the Church, a way to grow together. Our community will come together in the midst of the Holy Spirit to discern where He seems to take us in order to re-evangelize ourselves and our culture. By listening to what the members say in the synod, I will be able to discern and ratify the work of the Holy Spirit, and it will be a time of great grace.”

 What is a Synod?

 A Synod is both an event and a process that sees people – clergy, religious, and laity – gather to discuss important matters of the faith. Synods are transformative events that lead to renewal in the Church’s life. After a Synod takes place, the church emerges different, changed.

 What is the purpose of Synod 16?

In expressing his confidence that, “in response to our prayers through the synod in 2016, God will make being missionaries part of the DNA of our archdiocese.” Archbishop Vigneron summarized the two-fold purpose of Synod 16.
The first is “missionaries.” The focus of this Synod is evangelization. The second is, “DNA.” The Archbishop hopes to transform the very culture of our Archdiocese—how we work, how we pray, how we minister, everything—so that in everything we do, we are more effective witnesses

Have there been other Synods in the Archdiocese of Detroit?

There have been ten synods since the Archdiocese of Detroit was established in 1833.The last Synod in the Archdiocese was convened by Cardinal John Dearden in 1969.

 How did previous Synods held in the Archdiocese of Detroit turn out?

The last synod in 1969, spurred much change in the Archdiocese. One of the most-familiar results of this synod was the bolstering of lay participation in the life of the Church through parish councils, parish finance councils, and vicariate councils.

 It’s hard to imagine parish life without those elements of lay involvement. We pray that Synod 16 will, in a similar way, influence how we live the faith in the Archdiocese of Detroit (more on that later).

St. Valentine Parish Council Meeting Minutes for March 15th, 2016

Kathy From Pastoral Council

In Attendance:  Fr Henry, Fr Socorro, Lisa Alexander, Dan Benard, Rachel Damuth, Ron Fron, Anthony Janisse, Joe Kelly, Jeff Kramer, Suzanne Mote, Mike Nowak, Alan Pawlik, Allison Wright.

 Old Business

· New pew “Reserved” signs officially approved by PC.

· Condition of Church & School Areas – Joe Kelly to form a committee to assess and deal with the clutter. Possibly donate some items to the church rummage sale on 21-MAY-2016. Bill Charlton to research the cost of renting a dumpster for junk.  Ron Fron knows someone who may haul junk away at no cost. Unused paint cans may be donated. Open paint cans and other chemicals could be disposed of on 30-APR-2016 in Livonia. Computer equipment in the church basement will be recycled by Alan Pawlik.

New Business

· Fund Raiser – Irish Fest opportunity to serve corned beef being pursued by PTC. Alternative suggestions: Craft Show, Flea Market, Progressive Dinner, Dueling Pianos engagement, Silent Auction. 70th Anniversary Gala will take place in April or May 2017.

· Proper Dress & Procession for Lectors and E.M.s – PC discussed the spectrum of items people have witnessed our Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers wearing. Rachel Damuth to provide the wording from her school Open House communication as a tactful way to request proper dress. Those in the procession should press their hands together as in prayer while moving down the aisle. E.M.s should also keep their hands pressed together while waiting for the host/chalice.

· Church Picnic – Will be held in the School Gym on 28-AUG-2016. Initial discussion of food, games, etc. Meeting scheduled for 02-AUG-2016 @ 7:30PM to discuss the preparations, etc.

 Commissions

School Advisory

· Religion IOWA scores – St. Valentine School won (2) AOD awards: 3rd Place for 5th Grade “Highest Score” and “Most Improved School”.

· School Open House – (2) Open House events held in 2016. The first was the largest one in years! The second brought (7) families. Giving (2) tours per week on average since.

· Kindergarten will be full again this year; anticipating (24) students. There are (22) this year.

· SAC working with J. Bentley on a marketing video for the school.

· PTC hosting a Trivia Night on 16-APR-2016 in the gym from 6:30-10PM.  Event is designed to grow and support families who need tuition assistance.

· Rachel has requested the formation of a “buildings & grounds committee.”   Members from the parish, Men’s Club and school should all be involved.

Need a list of things that need to be done similar to the one previously maintained by Stewardship.

Pastoral update:

· Synod “Encounter, Grow and Witness” – Parish Dialog Gathering to be held 16-MAY-2016, facilitated by Mike Nowak and Deacon Lawrence. Goal of 100+ people; representatives from each group should attend.

· Fr. Socorro approached the AoD about 15% of the rent Montessori pays Our Lady of Loretto that usually gets sent to the AoD and ultimately is dispersed to other parishes.  He requested all the funds to be sent to their sister parish.  St. Valentine parish now receives $1,400.00 every month!

Worship:

· Mass in June for High School & College graduations; 5th,12th or 26?  Donut Sunday to accompany it?

Next meeting 19-APR-2016 @ 7:30pm