Pope Francis Anniversary Gathering: Pray, Discuss, Act!
Pink Smoke vigil outside of St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
March 2014 marks the one year anniversary of the election of Pope Francis. It has been a year of remarkable activity, media attention and excitement. “Man of the Year” for Time Magazine, on the cover of Rolling Stone, quoted by people of all denominations, Francis has made a significant mark on the world community. As Catholics interested in working for a Church that is just, inclusive and accountable, this provides a good time to assess Francis’ impact and promise.
A coalition of COR (Catholic Organizations for Renewal) members have put together a website, www.popefrancis365.org to assist local groups in creating conversations about Francis, not just to assess but also to use the new directions of the papacy as a springboard for local planning and action.
All of the resources you need to host a gathering, hold a prayer service, and facilitate a discussion are available on the website. Various Catholic organizations have put together resources on topics ranging from:
- Rights and responsibilities of the Baptized
- Women’s Ordination
- Church governance
- LGBT issues
- Inclusive Priesthood
- Reproductive healthcare
- Female deacons
- Divorce, Remarriage, and Annulment
- Non-violence and justice
- Poverty and economic justice
Nun Justice Vigil, Atlanta, GA
Whether you hold a gathering in your living room or a hall, with friends and neighbors, fellow parishioners, a book group or strangers, we hope that this website will provide a stimulus for good discussion, community bonding and the formation of local action plans that will support renewal and change in the Church.
Please use the comments section below to also share your thoughts.
“What has changed in the past year?”
“What needs to be done?”
“What seems to be neglected in the general upsurge of interest?”