February 28, 2024
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Holy Father is inviting us this Lent to continue our Synodal journey together by participating in the Synod on Synodality’s Interim Stage. During this stage of the multi-year, worldwide process of prayer and conversation, we will gather as members of our local Church to reflect specifically on the structures that exist within the Church. Together, we will discuss their effectiveness in promoting participation and co-responsibility among all members of the faithful, clergy and laity alike.
There will be three opportunities to participate, and I invite everyone, regardless of where they are in their faith journey, to offer their unique perspective. Participation in the sessions is open to everyone.
One session will take place in each vicariate this Lent:
Eastern Vicariate – March 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., St. Philip Neri, 6405 S Orchard Road, Linthicum Heights, MD
Baltimore City Vicariate – March 7, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. , St. Francis of Assisi, 3615 Harford Road., Baltimore, MD
Western Vicariate – March 12, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. , St. Joseph, 17630 Virginia Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21740
These conversations will be moderated, and Spanish language facilitation will be offered at each.
At the conclusion of the Interim Stage, a report on what was shared will become part of the synthesis of Episcopal Region IV, which will be submitted to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for inclusion in the national report to the Holy See.
Please continue to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we journey together toward October 2024.
More information about the Synod can be found at www.archbalt.org/synod.
With warmest personal regards, I am
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Lori