Precious Blood priests help to facilitate a synodal parish model

Editor’s note: National Catholic Register granted permission to reprint their article “What does a ‘synodal parish’ look like?” C.PP.S. priests have long ministered at St. James Parish, and Fr. Garry Richmeier offers his thoughts on how the basis of this ministry has paved the way for a synodal style of decision-making. See below for a link to the original article.

In 1988, Fr. Mark Miller, C.PP.S., was appointed pastor of St. James Parish in midtown Kansas City, which began the relationship between St. James and the Missionaries of the Precious Blood. This relationship continues to this day, as I serve as sacramental minister. Through the years, many of our priests, brothers, and Companions have ministered at St. James, as pastors, associate pastors, pastoral administrators, staff, and sacramental ministers. This relationship has played a big part in the parish now developing a synodal way of moving forward. 

As Precious Blood missionaries, those who have ministered at St. James have nurtured a sense of belonging, inclusion, and reconciliation, and the idea that each person’s voice counts. The Vatican II teaching that the Church is not only the hierarchy, but also the whole people of God, has been front and center in the parish. This has prompted parishioners to take ownership of the parish in many ways, resulting in a place of community where people want to participate rather than simply fulfill a Sunday obligation. Many drive into midtown from the Kansas City suburbs on Sunday, passing by numbers of closer Catholic parishes on the way. Visitors often remark that some parishioners may come to Sunday Mass late, but hardly anyone leaves early. 

The move to a synodal way of governance is, in many ways, simply an evolution of how the parish has been working together already. It is partly a response to the shortage of priests, but mostly a desire to invite all to share their gifts in a more conscious and intentional way. It makes clear that the parish will exist and thrive only through the active participation of everyone.  

As a Missionary of the Precious Blood, I am proud that our community over the years has had a role in helping the people of St. James to come to this point. I trust that the Spirit will continue to guide the parish in this challenge. 

Fr. Garry Richmeier, C.PP.S. 

The original article can be found at https://www.ncregister.com/news/what-does-a-synodal-parish-look-like-missouri.