OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE: 
A PARISH WITH OPEN ARMS & CARING HEARTS

Pope Francis extended the Synod on Synodality through 2024. Bishops will meet in Rome in both October of 2023 and October of 2024. Pope Francis’ decision reflects his desire that the church to discern the theme of synodality over a longer period. Also for the synod to be thought of as a process where (only by the grace of the Holy Spirit) the People of God walk together toward the Lord’s will for His Church. Certainly, the prayerful dialogue of the diocesan phase has created some energy, excitement, and shared vision of a Church that journeys together.

Based on your community feedback and stories, OLG showed strong support to participate in the One Parish One Prisoner (OPOP). Next steps include pairing OLG with our new incarcerated friend, confirming the OLG core team of 7-10 parishioners who receive training tailored to grow a mutual relationship, and paying tuition costs for OPOP training and support. Thank you for your support! You can get involved now by praying. To learn more, contact Martin and Terre at: mandt.mart87@gmail.com or click title above.

The Washington State Catholic Conference, comprised of the five Catholic Bishops of Washington state, released a statement that calls for policy makers to develop and implement a holistic plan to care for creation and the common good in the Lower Snake River region. The decline of salmon in the Lower Snake River points to the need to care for our common home. The bishops acknowledge that the diminishing salmon population in the Lower Snake River and the loss of their original habitat pose a threat to the spiritual lifeways of the Original People of the Northwest. Echoing Pope Francis, who stated in Laudato Si’ that Indigenous communities should be “principal dialogue partners” in large projects affecting their land, the bishops state that the Original Peoples of Washington state should be “principal dialogue partners” in forming a comprehensive plan for the Lower Snake River region. CLICK TITLE to read more