Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • June 7, 2024 9 Confirmation 2024 Blessed Francis Seelos Parish, Biloxi On Holy Saturday, March 30, Paul and Dia Perry came into full communion with the church at Blessed Francis Seelos Parish in Biloxi. Our Mother of Sorrows Parish, Biloxi On Holy Saturday, March 30, Devon Dojet came into full communion with the church at Our Mother of Sorrows Parish in Biloxi. Pictured are Ramon Fisher, Deacon Richard Smith, Gail Esters (Devon’s sponsor), Deacon M.J. Landry and Fr. Peter Varghese. Synod report for U.S. shows growth, tensions and ‘deep desire to rebuild’ the body of Christ WASHINGTON ( OSV News ) -- Growth, undeniable tensions and “a deep desire to rebuild and strengthen” the body of Christ have emerged as key themes in the latest synod report for the Catholic Church in the U.S. Released by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops May 28, the “National Synthesis of the People of God in the United States of America for the Interim Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod” summarizes responses from more than 35,000 participants and over 1,000 listen- ing sessions, with 76% of the nation’s dioceses and eparchies sub- mitting reports to the U.S. synod team. In addition, over 350 people met in some 15 listening sessions that focused on church life, social justice and vocations, while U.S. bishops also met for a synod listening session. In his introduction to the synthesis, Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas -- who is chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Doctrine and has shepherded the synodal process in the U.S. -- said “no document could cover the full range of topics on the hearts and minds of Catholics” who took part in the listening sessions, but the report showed the synodal journey has made progress in the U.S. Among their insights, participants said they hoped the church can offer both welcome and a prophetic witness that allows it to dialogue and discern its mission while addressing the ongoing wounds of the clerical abuse crisis, racism and other challenges. Pope Francis presides over Mass Oct. 29, 2023, marking the end of the first session of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. CNS photo/Lola Gomez