St. Margaret Hosts Opening Synod Gathering

Synod gatherings in the Diocese of Baton Rouge began Jan. 20 when more than 40 people braved frigid temperatures and the threat of icy weather to share ideas in the parish hall at St Margaret Queen of Scotland Church in Albany.

The gathering was the first of nine scheduled throughout the diocese in the upcoming weeks in response to Pope Francis’ call for a worldwide synod titled “Toward a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission.”

Vicar General Father Jamin David, who moderated the meeting, explained data collected from dioceses and archdioceses will be sent first to the USCCB and ultimately to the Holy See.Bishop Michael G. Duca encouraged individuals to feel free to share their thoughts but stressed that no one should attack others. He said some of what would be discussed would be good and perhaps other things not so good. 

Attendees were given two minutes to respond to a total of nine questions broken into the three sections listed in the synod title. Questions covered a wide range of areas relating to Catholicism today, including, among others, addressing fallen away Catholics, which groups are best and least served in the diocese and how churches in the diocese can encourage full participation.

Opinions were as diverse as the church itself, with some stressing more inclusion while others said it’s important for the church not to compromise basic principles and traditions just for the sake of increasing numbers. But the one common thread was a love of the Catholic faith and an admission that many Catholics have fallen away from the religion in which they were raised. 

Catholics drift away because of a lack of understanding of their faith, or they disagree with some teaching of the church or perhaps even because of  the actions of individuals in the church, including the sex scandal as being a major contributor, people said. 

“We must build authentic relationships with people who have drifted away and those relationships must be built on trust,” said Allison Dreher, director of Catechesis and Evangelization at Mater Dolorosa Church in Independence. “Mental health, spiritual health. In order to do that we have to be that way with ourselves, families.” 

“This is all about our oneness with Jesus,” she said. 

“The number one thing I talk (to fallen away Catholics) about is the Eucharist,” said Mike Fulmer, a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Ponchatoula. “(The Catechism of the Catholic Church) teaches the Eucharist is the source of our faith and every other sacrament revolves around (the) Eucharist.”

Neal Fuller, a parishioner at St. George Church in Baton Rouge, insisted “we can’t just change the teachings.”

“I know a lot of people would want to open up the church to the world but we don’t want to have quantity over quality,” he added. “Traditionally, for 2,000 years, the church has said  if you believe certain doctrines within the faith you are in communion with the church. If you don’t believe doctrines of the church you are not in communion with the church.”

A St. Margaret parishioner said it’s important for the church to return to basics, what he called the four pillars of the church: “One, holy, Catholic, apostolic.” 

“One church that welcomes everybody,” he said.

Deacon Tim Messenger, a deacon assistant at St. Margaret, said the church should  be open to people with different lifestyles while not compromising values and teachings. 

“I think we can welcome people who are divorced and not in a valid marriage,” Deacon Messenger said. “Yes, they can’t participate in the sacraments but they are still members of our community.

“Maybe people living in the gay lifestyle. I know that’s difficult. It’s something I am very proud of being a Catholic, we do make room for that. I think we can be open and welcoming without giving up our traditions.”

Brad Poche, a parishioner at St. Joseph Church in Ponchatoula, said at one point he drifted away from the church but RCIA “really pulled me back in.” Because of his own experiences, he suggested that at events such as baptisms and weddings, where many people in attendance are fallen away Catholics or perhaps not even Catholics, someone from RCIA could attend and use that opportunity to discuss the Catholic faith.

Most were in concert that the variety of ministries at churches are effective at ministering to all of the faithful, regardless of need. Father Paul Gros, co-director of Diaconate Formation, suggested people first discern their own gifts and talents before joining a ministry.  

“What is my gift?” he said. “When people can see that (in their hearts) they can use that gift. (Discernment) really helps people identify their charisms.”

Following the meeting, Mater Dolorosa parishioner Rachel Johnson said the gatherings are important because it is a way for church leaders to understand the heart of the faith, the heart of the Catholics who love the church.

“I thought (the meeting) was very good,” Johnson said. “I thought everyone was respectful. It was a blessing; the Holy Spirit is speaking through us.”

Bishop Duca said he believed the gathering “went a little better” than he thought and enjoyed seeing the enthusiasm.

“Thank you for your honesty and straight forward thinking,” he said.