In October Pope Francis established a process of prayer and discernment for the Church within every diocese throughout the world in preparation for the Synod of Bishops, which will meet in Rome in 2023. In the diocese of Brooklyn and Queens the first step in this journey began on October 11th with Bishop DiMarzio celebrating a special Mass in the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph as the clergy and laity began the process of “walking together” – the Greek meaning of the word “synod” – in prayer and discussion on the state and future of the Church.
Bishop DiMarzio called for parishes throughout the Diocese to hold “listening meetings” to learn the views of the faithful within each parish, their hopes and expectations for the parish and the diocese, as well as the Universal Church.
In order to provide this opportunity for the members of St. Anselm, the parish hosted listening meetings in Meletia Hall following the 10AM and 12 noon Masses on Sunday, November 14th. Around 50 parishioners attended the two sessions. They were asked to consider 10 open-ended questions inviting them to share their thoughts, hopes and concerns. A group of listener-facilitators sat at each table to take down the points and concerns shared by parishioners. Our thanks to the parishioners who served as “listener-facilitators”: Anne Texeira, Christine Mistretta, Dan Texeira, and Paul Muchigrosso, and a special “thank you” to Mary Jane Tunny who, in addition to serving as a listener, coordinated the entire process on behalf of the parish.
All the best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee