The Next Step

As your Archbishop, I ask that we each reflect upon The Pastoral Plan with the same spirit that has brought us to this moment. Please make time to pray for wisdom, courage and honesty.

Together we stand at the threshold of a ‘great venture,’ both challenging and wonderful.
For the vision to take place, however, we need to commit ourselves anew, bishops and people, to prayer and dialogue, to reflection and action. — Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium, USCCB.

Reflection is something that we all have done. We do it when we think about the meaning of a book or the significance of a major event.

Suggestions for Reflection

Begin by reading the scripture passage from the Gospel of John which was selected as the focus in developing this Pastoral Plan. Read slowly and thoughtfully. Identify the central theme of the text; what is it about? Sit with the text until a focal point emerges. Ask yourself, where does my own life relate to this theme?

Scriptural Reflection
After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his cloak back on and reclined at table once more.
He said to them: “Do you understand what I just did for you?
You address me as ‘teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and fittingly enough for that is what I am.
But if I washed your feet I who am teacher and Lord – then you must wash each other’s feet.
What I just did was to give You an example: as I have done, so you must do”
(John 13:12-15).

As you look at each goal, please prayerfully consider each in light of these questions:

Who is God calling us to be?
What is Christ asking me to do?
Where is the Holy Spirit guiding us?
What are my hopes for our parish community?
What are the needs of my local community?
Where am I in this?
What does God want of me?
What does God want of our community?

Other Reflection

Catholic Theological Reflection happens both individually and within the context of the faith community. “Without departing from a realistic viewpoint, let Christian communities become centers of optimism where all members resolutely endeavor to perceive the positive aspects of people and events… The attainment of such an outlook is not just a matter of psychology. It is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit” Pope Paul VI.

Together we must study, reflect and pray. Pope John Paul II wrote, “Before making practical plans, we need to promote a spirituality of communion… Let us have no illusions: unless we follow this spiritual path, external structures of communion will serve very little purpose. They would become mechanisms without a soul, ‘masks’ of communion rather than its means of expression and growth.”

Prayer for a Celebrating Church

God, our loving Father,
you sent your Son Jesus Christ to bring us true freedom.

You created this Great Land, to which so many have come in search of their own freedom: we thank you.

We thank you for the abundant blessings you continue to give your people.

We give thanks for the holy men and women who have gone before us,
upon whose shoulders we proudly stand in faith.

Open our eyes, that we might see the needs of others.
Open our ears, that we might hear your call of discipleship.
Open our hearts, that we might love without prejudice.
Open our mouths, that we might share the Good News.

Continue to guide the Church of Anchorage with your grace,
enlighten us with your Word,
strengthen us with your Holy Spirit in hospitality and stewardship
as Disciples in Mission.

Amen.

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