Denver archdiocese’s Discernment Process

The participants of the Denver archdiocese's Archdiocesan Discernment Process held in 2021 have revealed what the Holy Spirit has told them and how it guides them in their ministry.

Archdiocesan Discernment Process

Based on a report by Denver Catholic, the Discernment Process in March last year included two representatives from the archdiocese's northern Colorado parishes.

The participants in the event were several hundred Catholic faithful who engaged in communal prayers and talked about the message of the Holy Spirit to them.

The staff of the Denver Catholic reportedly asked several participants to share their method of "listening" to what the Holy Spirit has to say to them in their respective congregations.

Amy H. of Conifer's Our Lady of the Pines Parish states that their parish leaders have instituted "Monday summer small groups" that talk about community-building activities, worthwhile topics, and various ministry-focused events.

She added that they have 'worship nights, liturgical services for children, post-Mass donut socials, and an extra evening devoted for Eucharistic adoration.'

Amy said she believes that they are witnessing how the fire of the Holy Spirit is being lit among their parishioners as they see how they are bringing back evangelization and rebuilding the local community that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Fr. Scott Bailey of Denver's Risen Christ Parish said the synodal (Discernment) process has helped them fortify their' dedication to small group experiences.'

The parish priest disclosed that following last year's Discernment Process, they began adding Sunday scripture studies where they talked about the readings said during Sunday Mass.

He said that they organized a small group study for the purpose. The group meets every Sunday morning, he explained.

On the other hand, Msgr. Ed Buelt of Denver's Notre Dame Parish explained that their parish pastoral council is currently working on a fresh mission statement that is heavily influenced by the fruits of the parish and archdiocese's "synodal gatherings."

Pam V. of Thornton's St. John Paul II Parish mentioned that their parish had assembled a team with parish pastor Fr. James Spahn as its head.

She revealed that the team is tasked with determining the best way to help parishioners' deepen or convert their hearts and minds towards Jesus.'

She added that the young parish group had undertaken measures 'to better understand answer Christ's evangelization call.'

"This team is in its infancy but has taken steps to better understand the need to answer Jesus' call to evangelize; to be intentional disciples to our parishioners, to help them grow in their faith so they are "armed for the mission" and can then be the salt and light in the surrounding community. A mission statement has been drafted. The ministry leaders of the parish will be brought in to help on this journey. A potential name for this team was created; Parish Apostles for Christ, with the acronym "PAX," she explained.

About Denver Archdiocese

Based on its website, the Archdiocese of Denver "exists so that in Jesus Christ all might be rescued and have abundant life, for the glory of the Father."

The archdiocese is led by the Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, its eighth and current bishop.