Bridging Connection

Sr. Ruth Lubbers, SND

I am Sister Mary Ruth Lubbers of the Sisters of Notre Dame. I am originally from Covington, KY and currently reside in the Northern Kentucky area. I have been a professed member of my community for fifty-two years and have ministered as a teacher and elementary school administrator most of my religious life. I first served in vocation ministry from 1996 to 2001 on a part time basis. I came back full time in 2011.

In returning to vocation ministry, our national thrust had broadened to include young adult ministry. Young adults were somewhat forgotten or neglected by the church at large, so we wanted to reach out and help them in the development of their faith lives. Some of the ways of doing that have through offering Charis Retreats designed for young adults, spiritual companioning or direction, Busy Person’s Retreats, service opportunities.

During the pandemic, our national team has offered evenings or weekends of reflection, programs on specific topics, book studies, and discernment retreats. It is such a blessing to help women and men come to a deeper understanding and appreciation of who Jesus is and who they are in him. Being able to share my own prayer/faith life with young adults has been a blessing for them and me.

To walk with people as they discern their calls in life has revealed the deep and varied ways in which God chooses to work in people’s lives. To help women discern a call to religious life in Notre Dame has proven to be a great grace for the individual and for the communities who interact with her. It’s one more way of seeing God’s goodness and provident care alive in our world!

What’s Next: Exploring Prayerful Decision Making

Whether you are discerning your vocation, a career change, a big move, or just what’s next in your life, this afternoon for young adults will offer opportunities for prayer, fellowship, Q & A and practical tips for discernment. Members of religious communities will offer stories, examples and practical exercises to aid you in any discernment. Join us Sunday November 14 from noon – 5:00pm at the Shrine of the Holy Relics. For more information or to register tinyURL.com/cincyWhatsNext

A Synod on Synodality

Synodality? What’s that, you may ask. Synodality is synonymous with collegiality. The Holy Father is asking to have a Synod on how the Church can be more collegial in its approach to addressing the many issues facing it. The Synod is entitled: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission”. Consequently, he seeks input from all the People of God. That begins this month and will culminate in the Synod Meeting in Rome in 2023. Pope Francis wants to hear from the young, the elderly, those in religious orders, young adults, those who have drifted away from the faith, migrants and immigrants, those who live in poverty, lay organizations, the lay faithful, our Christian brothers and sisters, women, etc. In other words, everyone! To accomplish this, over the next six months, each diocese throughout the world will convene local meetings to address the questions on how we can be a more synodal i.e., collegial Church. For each diocese, the contact person will submit a ten page summary report to the local Ordinary that will in turn make it to the Synod. By virtue of our baptism, as a people of God coming together, we know that the Holy Spirit will lead us in this endeavor. Stay tuned for further details next month. If you would like to participate in any way, we welcome you! Please feel free to email Deacon John Homoelle at jhomoelle@sainti.org. God Bless!

Here is another service project I didn't get to share with you last time!

RSVP Today for Active Discipleship Day on October 9

Let your service shine! October 9 is a day of service across the Archdiocese in celebration of 200 years since its founding. We will be coming together with St. Francis Xavier parish, Church of the Resurrection, St. Xavier High School, and Xavier University for our fourth Active Discipleship Day, a day of prayer, service, reflection, and fun. We will gather in the Arrupe Overlook of the Gallagher Student Center on Xavier’s Campus on Saturday, October 9, 9 a.m., go to service sites across the community, and return to campus for lunch and reflection, wrapping up by 1 p.m.

Please review service options and RSVP today. If you have questions, contact our Director of Social Mission, Tim Severyn.