Close to 2,000 Catholics from the Archdiocese of Chicago will take the next step in moving “from maintenance to mission” at the first Renew My Church summit Oct. 1 and 2 at the Rosemont Convention Center. The archdiocese is asking participants and all the faithful in joining in praying this novena prayer. Each day, people can read the scripture (Rom 10:9-18), reflect upon a new question each day, recite the Renew My Church prayer, and pray specific intercessions to prepare your hearts for what Jesus is calling you to in renewal. Scripture (Romans 10:9-18) Brothers and sisters: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. For the scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, enriching all who call upon him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring [the] good news!” But not everyone has heeded the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what was heard from us?” Thus faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ. But I ask, did they not hear? Certainly they did; for “Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.” Reflection Questions Day One (Sept. 22): What word(s) speak to me today? What do I think God is trying to say to me through this passage? Day Two (Sept. 23): Has anyone shared their faith with me today? How did their witness inspire or encourage me? Day Three (Sept. 24): Do I / Did I have an opportunity to share the good news today? Will I / Did I share? Do I hesitate? Why? Day Four (Sept. 25): How is Jesus working in my life? Is there someone with whom I can share my experiences with today? Will I? Day Five (Sept. 26,): How can I be open to the Holy Spirit today? Day Six (Sept. 27): What is Jesus saying to me today? How am I going to respond to him? Day Seven (Sept. 28): What parts of my life – personal, professional, spiritual – need to be renewed today? Day Eight (Sept. 29): What do I want to ask of Jesus? Day Nine (Sept. 30): What are my fears and my fears about Renew My Church? How does Jesus calm my fears and inspire hope? Renew My Church Prayer Lord Jesus, you speak to us today, as you spoke to holy men and women who have gone before us. In every age and in our own time, you call to us and say: Renew My Church. Pour out the gift of your Holy Spirit upon us, and so enable us to hear you clearly to listen to each other attentively to imagine our future boldly to discern your direction wisely to persevere in your holy will courageously to stay together in charity to surrender our own plans readily to embrace the greater good to hand on your gifts to future generations. May we remain in the holy company of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the apostles, and all the saints. May their example and presence inspire us with patient confidence in the work of your grace. We ask this of you who live and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen Intercessions For all who will gather at the Renew My Church Summit, that they will hear You clearly, listen to one another attentively, and imagine our future boldly. For all parish leaders, that they will be inspired to embrace the greater good and look toward renewing the Church for future generations. For all God’s people to be reminded of our baptismal call and be sent forward to bring the good news back to our communities. For me and my brothers and sisters, that You send forth your Holy Spirit to renew each of us and grant us the courage and strength to follow You wherever You lead us. Amen
Grants from Lilly Endowment to help spiritually renew parishes Three organizations in the Archdiocese of Chicago have received grants from the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative to support projects aimed at helping parishes engage in ongoing spiritual renewal.
Day of Renewal invites leaders to deeper understanding of the Eucharist Hundreds of parish leaders and clergy attended the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Day of Renewal on Sept. 25 at the Rosemont Theater in Rosemont.
Parish leaders to gather for Day of Renewal Sept. 25 in Rosemont Archdiocesan priests, clergy serving in parishes and parish leaders will gather at the Rosemont Theater for a Day of Renewal on Sept. 25. It is the first time leaders from across the archdiocese will gather since in the Renew My Church Summit in 2018.