Is Anyone Listening?
BY JANET MCDERMOTT
Iconsider myself blessed with a unique perspective on the movements toward synodality. I was taught as a child to count my sins during frequent Confession and receive Holy Communion on my tongue. Reading the Bible and understanding matters of faith were reserved for authorities. Then, in my late teens and early 20s, I heard about the Second Vatican Council, which took place while I was in college.
Later, as my young family grew, a new archbishop was appointed to lead Seattle: Archbishop Hunthausen. A recent member of Vatican II, he opened the church of Western Washington to all of us. We became participating members and grew a new community. Mass was now in English. Laypeople served. The Eucharist was offered as bread and wine. Adult baptisms, once private, became the Rite of Christian Initiation, a rich and personal way of introducing folks into our community. Bishops led protests against nuclear weapons and unrest in Central America. The LGBTQ+ community had its own Sunday Mass at St Joe’s. Laypeople with ministerial hopes enrolled in Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry.
Perhaps that’s why, when contemplating the synodal process, I leapt too easily into the question, “What impact did the synodal process have on how we at St. Joseph Parish move forward as a community?” I recalled the awesome scene of dozens of tables filled with my fellow parishioners, gathered into what I could describe as categories of concern (women’s ministry, young adults, liturgy, outreach toward disabled people, etc.). As I
“Our church has asked us to bring the Holy Spirit to the conversation.”
moved from table to table, I heard people who really care about one another and how we image “church” to the world.
Later I read the summary of our synodal gathering’s hopes and concerns that was sent to the archdiocese. I observed a noteworthy desire for inclusiveness among those in LGBTQ+ relationships, divorced Catholics, youth, migrants, and those who have turned away from our church family. People desired that the church do as Jesus did. I talked with others who had been a part of our synodal gathering. They also felt the same joy at the sight of all of us gathered, but many struggled to hope as well. There was a desire to know what would happen to our thoughts and concerns and a feeling of, “I spoke, but how will I know that someone was listening?”
I came to realize that there is another way to reflect on the current synodal process, which is occurring during a time of great discord. This discord has, unfortunately, seeped into the leadership of some U.S. bishops. Yet here I am, writing about the impact of Pope Francis’ call to listen to each and every one of us. The thoughts, hopes, and visions of members of St. Joseph Parish—of all churches throughout the world—are being collected, prayed upon, and, I suppose, debated, in Rome, a city far from Seattle. Our church has asked us to bring the Holy Spirit to the conversation. The Holy Spirit is active in each of us—bishops,
clergy, theologians, and, yes, in you and me. Discord or not, the church will be on its knees, asking for guidance on ways to be church in our times.
There are many of us “old folks” still around who have seen what inclusiveness can mean. We recall the ensuing years as well: a period of denial and pushback, as clericalism began to shave away at the promise of Vatican II. This pushback has brought confusion and sadness, challenging the brightness of our visions, yet—and this is important—we have not lost hope. In our hearts we recognize with deep joy that, once again, the Spirit is bringing new life to our church. We remind ourselves that the church, the body of Christ, is God’s project, not ours.
I find myself wondering how the insights and inspirations of our parish members can emerge as a new way to gather and be a community. I am concerned that the people with whom I worship might lose interest and opt out of this spring’s synodal gathering. I thank God for my faith journey and that I am a member of the team who brought us to this day. Locally, my hope is that our archdiocese models church by being a boldly inclusive and responsive community, witnessing God’s love in the world.
Janet McDermott is a cradle Catholic who was radically revitalized in her faith by the outcomes of Vatican II. Inspired by that Council, at age 50, she reenrolled in college and earned a masters in transforming spirituality. She is currently a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Seattle, where she advocates for respectful inclusion within the church and for responsible care of the environment.