"Rebuild My Church"
A Challenge to the Church of Los Angeles
As we embark upon the road charted by the Synod
of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, we look to our heritage to guide our path
into the future.
We remember the story of St. Francis, whose devoted followers first brought faith to this land of California, and who named our city after their mother church in Assisi, "Our Lady of the Angels."
It was at the beginning of his new life in Christ, after renouncing the pride and ambition of his youth, that Francis was alone and deep in prayer amidst the ruins of a little chapel. Seeking to discern his calling in life, Francis heard a voice say to him, "Rebuild my church."
So Francis looked around at the crumbling chapel of San Damiano, gathered friends together and rebuilt it. Then they went out and started other restoration projects on church buildings in need of repair.
It was only later Francis realized that "Rebuild my church" meant reform the institution, re-animate the people, restore the idea. Francis evolved from an American-style can-do approach to the Lord's call to a more prophetic ministry, calling people out of their safe places and the business-as-usual way of being Church. His was a vision where everybody's gifts and talents had a place. He clearly recognized everyone's baptismal call.
Along the way, he created a new way of living
consecrated life, he welcomed women into his movement, he dialogued with
Muslims, he organized and empowered the laity, he enjoyed a close personal
friendship with St. Clare, he was flexible and open to new ideas, he was
a vocal advocate for the poor and outcast. Francis declined priestly ordination
to remain a deacon all his life in an age when there were no permanent deacons
in the West. Francis, Clare and their followers modeled the Christian life
through their simplicity; his call to all Christians was "Preach the Gospel
always; if necessary, use words."
Reeling from massive crisis and seeking new ways of living the Way in our own time and place, we remember the gentle example of Francis and Clare, whose life-long response to the call to "Rebuild My Church" forever changed the world.
And still we hear the voice pleading: "Rebuild My Church."
How will you respond?
Discussion Questions for Groups
After reading the story of St. Francis and his response to the call to "Rebuild my Church," choose one of the following questions to reflect upon and share your thoughts with the group.
- Which of the characteristics of Francis and Clare do you think is the most important for us to imitate as we implement the Synod? Why?
- Which of the Synod initiatives is closest to your heart? How do you think Francis and Clare would approach its implementation?
- Francis heard the call to "Rebuild my church" from the Lord. What groups in our society today might voice this same plea? To whom? How will you serve as their advocate?
- Francis lived the ancient ministry of deacon at a time when the permanent diaconate had died out in the West. What ancient practices or ministries might we restore today to help us implement Synod? What current practices or ministries might need to be adapted?
- Clare convinced a doubtful Francis that women had a role to play in his reform movement. What groups need to be included in the effort to implement the Synod? Does anyone need to be convinced of the need to include them? Who? How will you approach this need?
- Francis and Clare were life-long soulmates. How do you think their friendship helped each of them in their mission? What do you think is the role of relationships in implementing the Synod?
- Toward the end of his life, Francis deplored the social respectability, affluence and institutional status his movement achieved. What advice do you think he would give to ensure that your efforts do not suffer the same fate?
Synod Initiatives
- Evangelization and "The New Evangelization"
- Structures for Participation and Accountability
- Ongoing Education and Formation: Adults, Young Adults and Youth
- Ministry and Leadership: Lay, Consecrated Life and Ordained
- Eucharist and Sacramental Living
- Social Justice: Living at the Service of God's Reign
