Participating in the Pastoral Planning Commission to create the pastoral plan from the delegate feedback was not just an honor but a transformative experience. Taking on the responsibility of receiving the delegates’ inputs and shaping it into a practical plan was a challenge that left a lasting impression. The diversity of voices within our local church was a gift, and I am hopeful that our collaborative work will yield a positive outcome through the Pastoral Plan.

The two words that succinctly summarize my overall experience as a member of the commission are hope and openness. As a growing and renewing local church community, assured of being guided by the Holy Spirit, we were united in our hope. Openness was also a key concept because, during the process, our work was collaborative. We knew we were all working towards the same goal. No one worked on a personal plan or project, and more importantly, everyone was open to the voice of the Holy Spirit.

For me, the most exciting part of the Worship priority is the renewal of devotion and connection with Christ in the Eucharist, which our new Mission Statement proclaims as essential — rightly so. The Church beautifully teaches how the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. It will be wonderful to witness how these words, transformed into actions, will take shape in our local church. The Eucharistic Revival is not just another project but rather the heart of our mission, our source of joy and strength.

I look forward to a great renewal of our Eucharistic celebrations. I pray for more faithful attendance at Mass, with many returning to church and some returning after a long time. I also pray for a renewed spirit in those currently part of our celebrations that increases the vibrancy of our worship.

Regarding challenges, the elephant in the room is the financing, or at least it has been in the past. Communicating the needs and the solutions is pivotal for the stewardship required to run our parish, and so the budget, to put it simply, needs to be a subject of conversation. Let us consider liturgical music. Hiring professional musicians is a financial challenge; most musicians and choir members are volunteers. Creating liturgical music ministry workshops to form and train these wonderful volunteers will take resources many parishes do not have. Yet liturgical music is essential to making our liturgies more welcoming and a spiritual experience.

Undoubtedly, the most poignant moment for me was the Mass that marked the conclusion of the Diocesan Synod General Assembly, followed by a cultural festive gathering. It was then that I realized that all our dreams, projects, and plans resulting from the process could only come to fruition if we, as a community, are centered on Christ, who remains with us in the Eucharist. All the obstacles and difficulties that we may face can be overcome, not because of our strength or abilities, but because of His love and grace, which we all play a part in manifesting.