Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Ignite, Renew and Energize. These, were the three words I used in my Pentecost homily to end Synod 2014: A New Pentecost. Right now, it’s difficult to assess the total effect of the Synod, but I can tell you in my mind it was a tremendous success.

The delegates and observers were prepared and engaged. I randomly asked a number of participants about their small group experiences and they responded that they “loved it.” Opinions were offered and respected, the small group leaders kept the group on point and some even offered that they could have shared another two hours. What was obvious to me was that these people are in love with their Church and saw an opportunity to fashion the future of the archdiocese.

Prayer began and ended each session and participants were asked to pray during voting. Now the voting was, to use an old expression, “cool” because it was electronic and could be tabulated instantly. The Cousins Center auditorium was filled with a great spirit and videos inspired everyone to be intentional disciples. There was uplifting spiritual music provided by a variety of choirs. It was apparent that from the first gathering we were on a “high” and there wasn’t anyone that doubted that this was the work of the Holy Spirit.

A year and a half of preparation, meetings, planning, organizing and praying laid the groundwork for the Holy Spirit to work. During that process, I was told that when I looked at the Synod participants, I would literally be looking at the face of the archdiocese. It was true. Clergy, religious, lay parish representatives, institutions and even ecumenical observers were present. The face of the archdiocese was the face of Christ.

Over the next few months, I will be praying, reviewing and analyzing the results of the votes and suggestions shared at the Synod. Then, on September 14, the feast of the Holy Cross, as Archbishop of Milwaukee, I will issue a Synodal Declaration. This document will integrate all the priorities established by the Synod. It will give us our blueprint for the next 10-15 years. So, there is much work yet to be accomplished in forming the Declaration and implementing it.

Enthusiasm reigned as the delegates and observers were on fire with the spirit; they were ignited! They renewed their commitment to Christ and His Church and they were energized to spread the spirit in their parishes and in their communities.

I am excited about our future, because the Synod proved to me that our Church is filled with believers who love Jesus and the Church and who desire to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 10, 2014 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.