THE CHURCH IS A COMMUNITY OF PRIESTS, PROPHETS, AND SERVANTS
Presenters: Fr. Doug Doussan and Matt Rousso
The Second Vatican Council changed the triade (Priests, Prophets, and Kings) used so often in its documents to Priests, Prophets and Servants. This is a remarkable change for three reasons. First, it removes the sexist language of the work "Kings", which applies only to males and, secondly, it confirms the reality that females as well as males can have a role of governance in the Church. In the third place, it clarifies Jesus' teaching that all those in authority or governance must view their role as service and not a justification to "lord it over others and make their authority felt," to use Jesus' very words.
The Days of Reflection will be from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, including Mass and lunch. Because of a generous donor, the cost will only be $20.00 rather than the usual $35.00. Attendees will receive a $10.00 gift certificate to use in the purchase of one of Pope Francis' books from the Retreat Center Bookstore. When purchasing a Pope Francis book, you will also receive a $10.00 gift certificate to use for attendance at a future Pope Francis Day of Reflection.
The coming year's series from October 4, 2022 to July 11, 2023 is titled: Pope Francis: Vatican ll and the Renewal of Catholicism. We hope you find the following description of our series helpful.
At the very beginning of his papacy, Pope Francis announced that one of his most important goals would be the full implementation of the Second Vatican Council. During our series we will ty to see the theological, pastoral and spiritual riches of the Council through the eyes, mind, and heart of Pope Francis. With Pope Francis' enthusiastic guidance we will discover and understand anew the Council's vision of the renewed and reformed Church and someof the attitudes and actions required to make this vision a reality. Some of these are: 1) The priority of Baptism, the sacrament that unites all members of the church, (clergy and laity), in the one priesthood of Christ, the "priesthood of the faithful." 2) The roll of the Laity, called to full and active participation in the liturgy, ministry, mission and life of the Church. 3) The importance of collegiality, dialogue and charity being an integral part of relationships between bishops and priests as well as priests and laity. 4) The Sacramental role of the ordained in humble service to the faithful without any claim of superiority or dominance or clericalism. 5) The extroadinary joyful celebration of the Eucharist, in which we encounter the risen Lord Jesus gathering his disciples together to experience his presence in one another, nourishing us with his word and his Body and Blood, and sending us out to bring the good news of his Gospel of justice, love and peace to the world. And much more!
We will have much to learn, much to dialogue about, and much to pray over concerning the renewal of Catholicism, with Pope Francis as our inspiration and our guide. We hope you will join us and Pope Francis for the year's journey.