Step by Step – Synod Stories Ep. 2

Published on by stfranciskw

Salt & Light Media has produced a series of videos sharing stories from the Synod Process from all over the world. We are excited to share these stories with you.

E2 | Step by Step: Synod Stories

On this episode we visit the Philippines to see how one parish works synodally through many challenges, join a celebration of the Synod in Ottawa and hear how a priest in Mexico encourages listening to everyone.

St. Paul’s Garden Story

Published on by stfranciskw

Elementary schools in the Waterloo Catholic District School Board are always looking for ways that they can incorporate sustainable practices into their teaching and St. Paul’s School is no different.  As pandemic restrictions eased this spring, the students at the school were eager to create a vegetable garden in their courtyard. 

With some plants and seeds provided from our parish garden, the students made a plan.  Father Raphael came on planting day and blessed the garden, the gardeners, the tools and the plants.  He also taught them about St. Fiacre, the patron saint of gardens. Fiacre was a skillful user of healing herbs.  As he earned fame for his knowledge of plants, disciples flocked to him. The school custodian, Mr. Ward is going to care for the plants over the summer. When the students return in the fall, they will have tomatoes, celery, beans and pumpkins to harvest.  The students plan on sharing the harvest with the students at the school to supplement their snack program.  

After the grade 7s and 8s joined us for Mass on June 24, the students had a chance to have a tour of the church gardens.  It gave them inspiration to continue with their work back at the school.  It was certainly a great opportunity to “Grow Together”.

Step by Step – Synod Stories ep. 1

Published on by stfranciskw

Salt & Light Media has produced a series of videos sharing stories from the Synod Process from all over the world. We are excited to share these stories with you.

E1 | Step by Step: Synod Stories

On this first episode we visit a Synod listening group in St Catharines, learn about spiritual conversation with Sr Laurence Loubières and go behind the scenes at the Archdiocese of Toronto where thousands of submissions have been received.

Pope Francis’ Apostolic Letter on Liturgy

Published on by stfranciskw

Pope Francis has written an Apostolic Letter to the people of God on the liturgy, called Desiderio desideravi. Pope Francis calls for Catholics to overcome forms of aestheticism that appreciate only outward formality or allow sloppiness in liturgy, noting that “a celebration that does not evangelize is not authentic.” Click here to read the article summarizing the letter on Vatican News. Click the button below to read Pope Francis’ full letter.

Desiderio desideravi