Synod Implementation

2025-2026

Reclaiming the Lord’s Day

As we give focus to “Reclaiming Sundays,” we start with the importance of participating in Sunday Mass. Jesus Christ died so that we may have eternal life; God asks us to worship Him every Sunday (and Holy Day of Obligation) so that we can become the saints that He wants us to be. As Dr. Naughton of Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas likes to state, “If we don’t get Sundays right, we won’t get Mondays right.”

March Initiative – “Elevated Conversations and Prayer.”
The power of conversation in a family cannot be overstated. The act of listening with the ear of the heart and responding out of love to what was heard is the bedrock of trust in the family. Taking time to engage in this kind of conversation can often get pushed aside for the urgent needs that take priority in working to manage frantic family life.

The first activity for this month is something that a married couples group that I am chaplain for (Teams of Our Lady) does each month–sharing of your highs and lows in the past week (or month, as the case may be). Such an open sharing allows friends and even family members to learn more about their loved one’s world; this is why time is given for a similar type of sharing in parish small groups. Allow them to share freely without interrupting. You can follow up with questions or comments when they are done.

One way to have elevated conversation with family members is to provide an opportunity for one-on-one time. This is good for every relationship (especially a marriage), but if you have a child (or you have a parent still living), particularly focus on that relationship. If he or she is nearby, make a special plan to meet up for coffee (or dinner). If he or she lives far away, schedule a phone call when you both can listen attentively.

To see more about Reclaiming Sundays, click here.