Synod Steering Team will help ‘steer’ the course

There are five members of the Synod Steering Team, which will oversee the details of the synod process. Here’s what they had to say following the Chrism Mass on April 15 when the synod was officially opened by Archbishop Gregory Aymond:

Paul Breaux
Leadership consultant
Catholic Leadership Institute, Philadelphia
“I’m just inspired and humbled. I’m inspired that the archbishop framed the synod so beautifully. There is a lot of work to be done, work that I’m hopeful will be blessed by God. To see the Synod Leadership Team, the Steering Team, Father Pat Williams and the archbishop here together to kick things off was really moving to me. These are just wonderful, faithful, talented people.”

Sister of Mount Carmel Beth Fitzpatrick
Executive Director
Department of Religious
Asked if “the train is out of the station,” she said, “Yes, and we’re on it! It’s like a free breath. It has begun now, and I always believe that ‘well begun is half done.’ This is a beautiful beginning, so I’m looking forward to the entire 14 months and to what God is going to be telling us. That’s what I can’t wait to hear. There may be some surprises. Hopefully, there will be some surprises.”

Sister of Mount Carmel Mary Ellen Wheelahan
Safe Environment Coordinator
Archdiocese of New Orleans
“It’s such a blessing to be among so many people who are enthusiastic about the synod and finding out about God’s will for us in our church. It’s also wonderful to experience the archbishop inviting so many people, especially the young, to come and be part of the process. I’m looking forward to hearing what the people are saying and what the people are dreaming about. In my ministry, I usually hear only about safe environment. I’m excited to hear the good things that people have to say.”

Father Patrick Williams
Vicar General
Pastor, St. Pius X Parish, New Orleans
“I see this as an opportunity to be proactive in living our faith and building our community. It seems as though for the last, many years, we’ve been reactive, mostly after Katrina, when we were just trying to get back on our feet. This is an opportunity to be much more forward-looking, and it’s an opportunity to set a course. It’s a positive because we’re not reacting to a crisis. This is an opportunity to grow as a community of faith.”

Louann Hood
Secretary
Department of Religious
“I’m honored to be a part of serving God and his church in any way I can. I’m excited about the synod and look forward to the consultative sessions and hearing the ideas and dreams people have for the archdiocese and how we can improve.”