February 2024

By Richard “Tink” Guthrie 

In October 2021, Pope Francis opened the Synod on Synodality as a multi-year initiative to foster dialogue, listening, and discerning where God is calling the Catholic Church in the 21st century. We are not called to solve the Church’s challenges or to debate what the Church should prioritize. Rather, we are called into a dialogue of mutuality in which we each have something to share and something to receive from one another. 

The protagonist of the synodal process is the Holy Spirit, inspiring us to learn from one another’s viewpoints and experiences, especially those who feel distanced from the Church and who are on the margins. Journeying together in mutuality, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, unimaginable outcomes are possible!

The worldwide Synod on Synodality now moves into the “Interim Stage,” the period between Synod of Bishops meetings in October 2023 and October 2024. In preparation for their October 2024 gathering in Rome, the Synod of Bishops seek further input from the Catholic faithful on the following three questions.

1. Where have I experienced or witnessed ways in which Church structures, leadership, or life encourage and foster our shared mission?
2. Where have I experienced or witnessed ways in which Church structures, leadership, or life hinder our shared mission?
3. How can the Church’s structures and organization help us to proclaim the gospel and live as a community of love and mercy in Christ?

To facilitate discussion on these questions and gather input, the Archdiocese of Louisville welcomes all to attend one of the following three listening sessions in February and March.

• Tuesday, February 27, 7:00–8:45 p.m. Archdiocese of Louisville Pastoral Center, 3940 Poplar Level Road, Louisville
• Thursday, March 7, 6:30–8:15 p.m. Basilica of St. Joseph Cathedral, Parish Hall, 310 W. Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown
• Wednesday, March 13, 7:00–8:45 p.m. St. Margaret Mary Parish, Hospitality Room, 7813 Shelbyville Road, Louisville

A modern parable tells of a homeless woman who, while seeking shelter from the rain, stumbles upon a Lenten fish fry. Upon hearing that she...Read More

Eva Gonzalez, Director of the Office of Hispanic Ministry, joins Dr. Brian Reynolds, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, to discuss Hispanic Catholics and how the Office of Hispanic Ministry serves this growing population in the Archdiocese of Louisville.

New episodes of What's New in ArchLou will be available on the first Tuesday of each month in both video and audio only here.

Tyler Solon’s essay below was the winning essay in the Catholic Education Foundation’s annual essay contest for high school students. Students are asked to write an essay about a topic related to the our local high schools and the national celebration of Catholic Schools Week.

By Tyler Solon

So much to do, so little time to do it. This has been my high school story thus far. From early morning sports practices to thought-provoking classes, to clubs and volunteering at night, my high school career at Trinity has been filled with learning, service, and growing in my faith. With many activities to balance, it seems I am always pulled in different directions. Despite the many variables, one constant has remained: my faith. To live as a blessing and disciple of Christ, one must better oneself and his community no matter how busy one might be.

Saint Augustine said, "Fill yourselves first and then only will you be able to give to others." One must model himself after Christ internally to become a disciple. At Trinity, several clubs are offered to better oneself. I am a part of Inner Peace Club, a religious meditation club; Saints Peter and Paul Society, a club that spreads campus ministry; Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a Christian leadership club; and Rosary Club. By joining these school-sponsored activities, my classmates and I learn more about ourselves and how to serve others, just as Jesus did. Additionally, each year, students improve themselves by learning about the loving actions of Christ and the power of the sacraments through theology classes. The value of a high-quality education is a great blessing given by parents and teachers. By becoming the best version of oneself, one can be a better blessing to others.

At the end of Mass at St. Albert the Great, our deacon says, "The Mass is ended. Go in peace to love and serve the Lord." Just as Jesus served others, I understand the importance of helping those in need. In the busyness of life, Trinity encourages service. I learn to serve my community and world, by participating...Read More