Last week, our annual Blessing of the Animals was a great success! About fifteen dogs brought their family members together outside the rectory! All variety of dogs from very small to very big (St. Bernard) gathered for prayer and socializing. We even had two stuffed animal pets to bless. St. Francis was smiling down upon us and Abby was a gentle welcoming self.

On a more Universal note, October 5th marked the beginning of a Synod (meeting) of Bishops from around the world discussing issues of family life. Pope Francis previously asked bishops to circulate surveys throughout their dioceses, asking people about their concerns with family life issues and the church stand on things like birth control, divorce and remarriage, cohabitation, and same sex unions. Taking all this data into account, this synod plans to address the issues that are important to the everyday Catholic.

What is novel and exciting about this meeting is that Pope Francis has not only asked for input from the ‘pews’, but that these issues have traditionally been seen as cut and dry issues that exclude so many from participation in the church. Pope Francis’ own pastoral sense has consistently been one of inclusion and compassion and he reaches out to the outcast in society. Sounds very much like the ministry which Jesus lived so many years ago!

The meetings, of course, are private. The Pope wants the bishops to feel free in expressing their own pastoral feelings about people in these situations. However, there are periodic briefings to the news media. So far, that pastoral understanding seems to be pervasive.

Let us keep them in our prayers and ask God’s guidance as they come face to face with these important questions for the church today and into the future.