Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

Last Tuesday, I had a meeting with ASIC (Archdiocesan Synod Implementation Commission). This group was formed to guide the implementation of the priorities established through the work of the 2014 Synod. Brenda Cline, the parish director of St. Joseph Parish in Grafton, related that the priorities of the Synod are a part of the fiber of the functions of the parish. There have been many gatherings and informational sessions that have emerged from the Synod priorities (Amazing Parish, the Synod Anniversary “Return to the Upper Room,” parish leadership support, etc.). Next year, on Saturday, May 30, 2020, we will celebrate five years from the implementation of the Synod. To recapture some of the energy of the Synod, I thought I would take a look back at the LOA that reflected on it.  I must confess it rejuvenated some great memories. I am so grateful that the Holy Spirit led us on this path so that we might celebrate our own personal Pentecost. The following was shared five years ago:
 
Ignite, Renew and Energize: These were the three words I used in my Pentecost homily to end the 2014 Synod titled “A New Pentecost.” It’s difficult to assess the total effect of the Synod, but I can tell you it was a tremendous success.
 
The delegates and observers were prepared and engaged. I randomly asked a number of participants about their small group experience, and their response was 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 for another two hours. What was obvious to me is that these people were 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 auditorium was filled with a great spirit, and videos inspired everyone to be intentional disciples. There was uplifting spiritual music provided by a number of various choirs. From the first gathering, it was apparent we were on a “high,” and there wasn’t anyone who doubted that this was the work of the Holy Spirit.
 
A year-and-a-half of preparation, meetings, planning, organizing and praying prepared the groundwork for the Holy Spirit to work. I was told that when I would be looking at the Synod participants, I would literally be viewing the face of the Archdiocese. It was true: clergy, religious, parishes, institutions and even ecumenical observers were present. The face of the Archdiocese was the face of Christ.
 
After prayer, reviewing and analyzing the results of the Synod on September 14, 2019, the feast of the Holy Cross as Archbishop of Milwaukee, I will issue a Synodal decree. This will be the integration of all the priorities established by the Synod, and it will give us our blueprint for the next 10-15 years. There is much work yet to be accomplished in forming the decree and its implementation.
 
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 communities.
 
I am excited about our future because the Synod proved to me that we are filled with believers who love Jesus and the Church, as well as the desire to LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 11, 2019 "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.