A snapshot of the "Spring Assembly" of a parish in St. Louis

The leadership pages of the St. Cronan community record some of the prayers and actions of community members as they think about and plan for the Third Millennium leadership at St. Cronan's and beyond.

Some excerpts of some comments:

...we believe that one of the key outcomes of the small group process is to identify those issues around which we can all gather, and which are "non-negotiable" for our community. For instance, our group will propose that the full participation of women in liturgy and leadership is essential to our faith journey, and is non-negotiable. If the whole parish agrees with that determination, then anything the Archdiocese proposes that prevents us from maintaining that full participation will be rejected.

Our position as a small group is that we are neither looking for a fight nor for an excuse to break away. On the contrary, we hope to be able to remain within the Archd. structure. We are committed enough to "staying if possible" that we might be willing to compromise on items that are determined to be accidental, but we will not compromise on the substance of our faith. Also, we believe that if the Archd. imposes something that is unacceptable, our response would be to say "No." But then leave the next step to the Archdiocese rather than immediately cause a rupture.

The relationship with the Archdiocese and the South Deanery may have to be re-examined, especially if Cronan’s is merged with one or several parishes.

The traditional ritual and Catholic structure is not as important to me anymore as much as the vision of a Eucharistic people who share a common vision and who live their lives as “broken bread” not just celebrate the symbols of that.

The community, prophetic vision, eucharist - common table that is the focus of our communal gathering. I’m not sure I need a certain person to consecrate the bread & wine; I think I need more time to think about that.

Spiritus Christi - their priest went with them so they have continuity of ministry. They still had an ordained person and kept a “thread of continuity.”

The reason why I’m still Catholic (though I disagree most of the time) is that I feel connected on a deeper level (the tradition I’ve grown up with); but I have experimented with this kind of ritual without an ordained celebrant and feel completely comfortable with this kind of expression.

I’d prefer not to have an ordained priest; rather have a community of my peers.

Too much energy is generated in our community when we’re on the defensive with the diocese. Rather we should put energy into tending to a positive vision and striving to live with “inner authority,” as opposed to walking on the “eggshells” of waiting for the fallout of the tentative “outer authority.”

Diversity is an outstanding trait at St. Cronan, and we want to foster it. We make efforts to meet the needs of the young and the elderly. Our avenues for interpreting scripture strengthen our bonds.

No comments from me at this time....Prayers, yes! Comments, no...