In March of 2022, at the beginning of the end of the COVID restrictions, Bishop Lobsinger announced a new initiative within the Diocese of Hamilton called “Forward Together In Christ”. It was announced as a way to address how we, as members of the Diocese of Hamilton, should move forward in the wake of what had been an exhausting two years. With many programs shuttered, churches having to close their doors for long periods of time and so many questions about how to begin the process of re-starting, it seemed a good time to take a close look at not only how to move forward post-pandemic, but also how to move forward as a diocese in a more broad sense.

At the same time under the direction of Pope Francis, the Church globally embarked on a synodal process that continues today, to help her to discern in a broad way the mission of the global Church moving forward. So this discussion, ‘Moving Forward in Christ‘ is in the spirit of what Pope Francis has referred to as a time to decide what our new normal will be and to use this time of opportunity to boldly build the Church for ministry in the twenty-first century.

Last July, Pastors in the Diocese were asked to invite members of their parish to be involved in these discussions and Fr. Peter, as well as myself and a group of parishioners, along with similar groups from a number of other parishes, about 120 of us in total, attended a meeting with Bishop Lobsinger late last year. We were led by the bishop in a series of discussions that focused on Seven topics:

1) The Laity
2) Communication
3) Catechesis
4) Schools
5) Outreach
6) Liturgy
7) Clergy Care

There were a number of questions we were invited to consider in a general way pertaining to these topics: What needs to be “rebooted” in the diocese? where we would like to see the diocese in the future? and how do we get from where we are to where we want to be?

Similar meetings were held across the diocese including diocesan and parish staff, school students, teachers and other similar groups. There were close to 1000 members of the diocese consulted.

The summarized results of those meetings have been compiled and published and are available below for your consideration. There are also a few printed copies available in the Parish.