WASHINGTON, DC – On Tuesday, Oct. 19, the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), will host a virtual convocation of catechists in service to the U.S. Military. The purpose is to catalyze catechetical leaders in their commitment to help others live and preach the Gospel. It will also offer them the possibility of making a contribution to the Synod 2021-2023, a process of discernment, initiated by the Bishop of Rome, in which the people of God are called to pray and reflect on the will of the Holy Spirit for the Church.
There is no more important role for the Archdiocese than the process of proclaiming the truth about Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Religious education is an important aspect of that mission. We cannot share the One we have met, if we do not understand the deeper truths He has revealed. Catechists have a central role in that process.
In addition to this moment of prayer and reflection, participants will be asked to offer their thoughts in the synodal process to which Pope Francis has called the Church. Through listening and sharing, the faithful are called upon to seek understanding in regard to specific topics of discussion.
Beginning this month, a synodal process will engage dioceses around the world in a phase of listening that, it is hoped, “will integrate the Synodal Process into the life of the local Church in creative ways that promote and deepen communion, fuller participation, and a more fruitful mission.” The Oct. 19 convocation is also meant to be a part of this process for the AMS. For the convenience of catechists spread throughout this global archdiocese, the convoc ation will be offered at two times: 6:00 a.m. EDT and 2:00 p.m. EDT. To learn more and register visit, milarch.org/catechist-convocation/.
While the AMS faithful are spread out around the world, God unites them as one. The aim is not for all to be the same, but to walk forward together, sharing the common path of supporting a mission to both God and country.
As a part of the above-mentioned process, the AMS will soon post on its website at milarch.org resources to support discussion at the installation level, allowing those the AMS serves to listen to one another. The process is not meant for just the laity to share their perspectives with the clergy or vice versa but rather to provide a genuine, respectful opportunity for all to listen to what their journey of faith has been like and where that journey is leading. If it is not leading to the conviction that Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose to offer us life, something is wrong.
An emphasis on Communion, Participation, and Mission will be the focus of these local discussions. Dr. Mark Moitoza, Th.D., D. Min., AMS Vice-Chancellor for Evangelization, has shared plans to encourage evangelization outreach with priests and U.S. Military chaplains at this year’s ongoing series of biennial AMS Convocations in San Diego, Washington, DC, San Antonio, and Rome.
His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, commented: “The Kerygma about Jesus Christ must be at the center of the mission of the archdiocese. If our religious education and young adult ministry is not leading children, men, and women to deepen their faith in our Lord something is radically wrong. Every opportunity must be seized to announce the truth about Him.”
Archbishop Broglio noted further, “Evangelization in military settings serves the particular needs of young adults on active duty and their families. Rather than offering a variety of programs with the hope that people may show up, this opportunity to listen to one another models the approach of Jesus drawing close to bring others to God. I encourage each installation to participate over the next several months as models for listening sessions are shared with priests, Catholic coordinators, pastoral advisory councils, and the faithful through direct communication, website, and social media resources.”
Dr. Moitoza noted that “many gifts and charisms of the people of God throughout the AMS foster recognition that every Christian has a vital role to play in the mission of the Church.” All those baptized, he said, “have a special mission in witnessing to the Gospel in all parts of human society.”
A prayer attributed to St. Isidore of Seville (560-636) has been traditionally used at councils and synods for hundreds of years. It is as follows:
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.
