Through the Archdiocesan Synod process, Archbishop Hebda has described a dream to welcome every member of the Church into small groups in 2024. The pastoral team at Our Lady of Peace has had this same dream for several years, and the Synod has moved us into action. Over the last year, OLP’s Synod Evangelization Team, a group of eleven people including Fr. Ellis, staff from the church and school, and leaders from within the community, have been praying, learning, and planning how to bring the Archbishop’s dream to fruition.

As a young person, I remember thinking that my belief in Christ would be stronger if I could encounter him in the flesh. This is probably a thought that many Christians have, and yet, the reality is that we do encounter the Lord Jesus. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells the disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples… and behold, I am with you always.” We know that he is with us through the Holy Spirit that we celebrate receiving on Pentecost. We know that he is with us in the “mystical body” of Christ, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and the “true body,” the Eucharist. We celebrate this “true body,” this “real presence,” of Christ in the Eucharist on Corpus Christi- the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ.

As we approach Earth Day, it is essential to take a moment to consider how we can make our planet a better place for future generations. As Christians, we have a special responsibility to be good stewards of the Earth and to include care for all creation in our daily lives. Let's take a moment to reflect on some simple yet impactful ways we can honor Earth Day.

When I lived in New York, I had the opportunity, through my church’s young adult group, to spend an evening walking around with a police officer, an EMT, a mental health professional, and a social worker. We visited known areas where those experiencing homelessness often slept. Our team provided them with care kits, wellness checks, and the opportunity to get out of the elements for the night and stay at a hotel. It was an eye-opening experience that I will never forget, which changed my perspective. For the first time in my life, I witnessed the humanity that is often ripped away from this section of our society.