Here’s to the Fall season! Many people comment that Fall is their favorite time of the year. The outdoor temperatures are more comfortable. The weather is usually drier than other times of year. And with its mix of reds, yellows and oranges, the fall colors are hard to beat. I would have to agree with the Fall lovers. It’s the best time of year. But like them, I only wish the season didn’t lead to winter!
For priests of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Fall is also the time for our annual convocation. This year, however, the convocation will be a multi-day event that takes place outside the archdiocese. The multiday convocation happens once every five years and typically covers various ministry issues in greater depth. To be sure, this convocation will have no shortage of issues to cover.
Most of you are aware of the Beacons of Light restructuring process that is taking place across our archdiocese. By no means are we the only archdiocese undergoing such a process. It’s happening all over the country. Local dioceses are looking to utilize their properties, facilities, and human resources in ways that are most effective in promoting the goodness and holiness of God in our lives, our society, and in the life of the world.
As they say, the situation “on the ground” has changed over recent decades. We live in an era with a lower level of religious commitment. That said, however, we also live in era where those who remain religious are more committed than ever. It’s a different climate in which the church works, and Catholic Christians must learn to adapt to this form of “climate change”. And priests are no different.
“Increase our faith,” the apostles ask Jesus. And Jesus responds to their plea with short rejoinder. He tells them that faith can uproot trees and replant them in the sea. He doesn’t mix words. Faith is the greatest of all gifts God can give us. We can never underestimate the power of faith to make a difference. And so we are reminded to echo the apostles prayer: Increase our faith. Throughout this past week, please know that Fr. Christian and I have been remembering the people of St. Ignatius in our prayers. Remember to continue to pray for our parish and for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati which is undergoing a season of change in its life. I would like to thank our parish deacons, our staff, as well as the visiting retired priests who helped cover for Fr. Christian and me during our time away.
