December 4, 2009
Reflection on the Strategic Planning Process
An invitation to ‘prepare him room’
By ZOE CANNON (Vincennes)
In August I received a letter in the mail from the bishop. It was an invitation to be part of a “Discernment Team” which was to assist in a “Strategic Plan-ning” process for our diocese. I
humbly accepted this challenge with great expectation and pre-paration by responding with, “By all means! “The responsibility was met with the greatest JOY! There is a parallel to this opportunity and my bid to prepare for the Season of Advent. Invitation, preparation, expectation and joy are all aroused in us as we plan for the arrival of Christ in our life at Christmas time.
We just celebrated the Solemnity of Christ the King, which is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time, and the end of our liturgical year in the Church. Now we begin the Season of Advent, while an ending becomes a beginning; the Kingdom of God is always at hand for us. Filled with faith, most important is our spiritual readiness. St. Augus-tine said, “Our hearts are restless until we rest in you Lord.” God is a God of new things and so all things are possible. Experience tells us that those who have suffered and still hope understand far more about God and about life than those who have not. Maybe that is what hope is about; a way to live genuinely amidst all the problems of life while trusting with a faith that continues to see possibility when there is no present evidence of it, just because God is God. That is the wonder of Advent. In this season we await and prepare for the coming of Christ into the world. The anticipation of this special event is a reminder of the importance of the gift of life. God often begins with small things and common people. The purpose of the incarnation of Jesus was to provide hope. Hope not in circumstances, but in God, the very essence of Advent.
We look to our Church for this hope, guidance and clarity, during the otherwise chaotic world of holiday preparation. But this unique bond is not just important at Christmas. This precious connection is an on- going process throughout the entire year. Therefore nothing could be more important than a process to plan and pray for the future of our Church, our hope. I am grateful for the chance I had to visit and talk with fellow Catholics in our diocese. Their concern for the future of their parishes is very important.
We read documentation throughout the history of the church of crossroads and challenges; they are as old as Sacred Scripture. Our present culture much like the ancient times in the Bible, create a distinct threat to our spiritual nature. It becomes more significant when you are living the challenge and not simply reading about it. To our bishop and all those who participated in the interviews I say, “God bless you and thank you.” Your interest has sparked a flame that I pray will continue to ignite with excitement during the Advent Season and always. “Go and teach all people my Gospel . . . I am with you always until the end of the world.” Mt 28:19-20.
The Church functions so marvelously, as common ordinary things become extra ordinary, especially during this time of year. We wait and prepare for this mighty act of God’s power; the birth of Christ. In response, our daily activities become significant through Christ who strengthens us. We celebrate our Catholic Church and this miracle of Christmas because of our love of God. “And He will be called wonderful, counselor”. . . Isaiah 9:6-7 As we enjoy the Season of Advent and make plans to renew the Church that bears the name of Jesus, I en-courage you to remember three words . . . not just this time of year but forever . . . “Prepare him room.” In response, I hope you will say, “By all means!”