Rooted in our church’s teachings and our renewed spirituality of synodality, Renewal from the Heartland will encourage clergy, religious and laity to recognize their proper responsibilities in building communion and engaging in the mission of the Church.

Parishioner involvement is essential! We began in Lent by meeting in small groups to share faith, using a program created for our archdiocese called Beatitudes from the Heartland. 

Together, we’ll explore the Beatitudes and uncover what it means to live as a Catholic in today’s world, here in the heartland. This is your chance to grow spiritually and help transform our parishes into centers of charity and sanctuaries of mercy.

“May our parishes be centers of charity and sanctuaries of mercy … may the church become known as a place to go when people are thirsty, are afflicted, are broken-hearted, are poor, in their life journey, and they need an oasis for healing and help.” 

- Archbishop Shawn McKnight

All are welcome at these sessions, where we will pray, listen to one another and the Holy Spirit, and hear a message from Archbishop McKnight. What is shared in the sessions will be gathered anonymously to be used in the archdiocesan Renewal from the Heartland pastoral planning process.

What is Listening with the Heart? 
Listening with the Heart is a safe place to share your experience of the church.

Who’s it for? 
Anyone open to discerning what the Holy Spirit is calling our communities to be, here in the Heartland.

What happens at a Listening with the Heart session? 
During a 90-minute session, participants in groups of 10 or fewer will reflect on two prompts:

• Share a story about your experience with the Church that has shaped you.
• What is the Holy Spirit asking of us?

The responses will be gathered anonymously to be used in the archdiocesan Renewal from the Heartland pastoral planning process.

Who might you invite to a Listening with the Heart session?

• Your neighbor or coworker
• A loved one
• Someone who has drifted away
• Maybe you!

Listening with the Heart Synodal Listening Sessions begin on Monday, April 13, and will run through April 25. All sessions are from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. 

JOCO Locations: 

If you have any questions regarding the listening sessions, please contact Helen Osman at [email protected] or [email protected].

Who can participate: All parishioners (including those already in small group programs), current and future parish council leadership (e.g., pastoral, stewardship, finance, school, youth, etc.). Leaders, particularly members of the pastoral council, are encouraged to create small groups that include individuals who are not part of their council or in other leadership roles, in order to increase participation. 

The program is self-contained, in that group leaders and hosts can self-select, meeting in homes or in public spaces. The program booklet provides all necessary guidance for both the group leader and the host. Parish leadership has received resources on how to promote the program. 

Beatitudes Program Booklet