Synodal meetings

Published on March 15, 2022

We stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name. With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts; Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.

We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder. Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions. Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life and not stray from the way of truth and what is right. All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time, in the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.

The initial round of Synodal meetings are taking place in 14 centres throughout the Diocese during March, beginning each evening at 7.30pm.

You are welcome to attend any of the Centres, while the nearest to us in Thomastown are:

Monday, 14 March 2022 in Kilkenny at St Kieran’s College

Wednesday, 23 March 2022 in Thomastown at Thomastown Hall

Thursday, 31 March 2022 in Kilkenny at St Patrick’s Centre Loughboy.

Reflection

Following one’s vocation is a response from within to the needs outside us. A vocation meets the human needs of the world but with a motivation from within. We care for our children and grandchildren not just because they are sick or insecure, but because we love them. this love will move us out to help them in various situations. We find a call to be ‘people for others’ because our heart teaches us that with Jesus we are all brothers and sisters, and that God wants to save the world, and needs our help to do so. This is the Sunday we all pray that our particular vocation in life may become clear and may become stronger. God calls each of us to love God and love our neighbour. This is the first Christian calling at our Baptism; we then find the best way for each of us with our own particular set of gifts, talents and even weaknesses to live out that call to love. We think especially today of religious life and priesthood. There are needs for priests, sisters and brothers in most parts of the world. as a community in families and parishes we thank those who have given their lives in these vocations and pray they may increase.