Part of article courtesy of Western New York Catholic

The faithful of the Diocese of Buffalo have begun a journey to reinvigorate the Catholic faith throughout Western New York.  There is also a desire to better optimize parish resources and increase the impact of parish ministries across the diocese.  Just as Jesus’ disciples traveled with Him on the road to Emmaus, our local disciples are traveling on their own Road to Renewal.

This road took them to Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Youngstown on Aug. 29, where a special Mass for parish representatives took place. The Mass served as a request to Our Lady Undoer of Knots to help renew the local Church.

“The need for renewal means that we must acknowledge the challenges and knots of imperfection that plague our diocese,” said Bishop Michael W. Fisher.  “As we admit our most grievous faults, we ask the Blessed Mary ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, our brothers and sisters throughout our diocese, to pray for us to the Lord our God.”


Our Lady Undoer of Knots display, St Timothy Parish, Tonawanda NY.

Parish representatives offered reflections on the knot of abuse, the knot of indifference, the knot of mistrust, the knot of faithlessness, and the knot of isolation and individualism.  The reps in attendance were asked to bring a length of rope and tie a knot for each of the reflections.
 

The Five Knots:

Knot of Abuse:  An obstacle to the love Jesus desires in children like me to find in the Church.
Knot of Indifference:  Represents a lukewarm Church that is timid in its mission and proclamation of the Gospel.
Knot of Mistrust:  Represents the lack of truth, transparency, and integrity that Jesus expects of His Church.
Knot of Lack of Faith:  The difficulties within our diocese have caused many to question or even lose their faith.
Knot of Isolation/Individualism:  Our lack of recognizing all as part of the Body of Christ has become a knot in our Church.

“The knotted rope symbolizes the struggles our diocese is enduring,” explained Father Bryan Zielenieski, vicar for Renewal and Development.  “As representatives, you are being asked to take this knotted rope back to your parish, explain it, and place it in an area of significance for your parish.  As we move through the renewal, at various points you will be asked to undo a knot to symbolize the renewed life and hope of our diocesan renewal.”

During his homily, Father Zielenieski offered two definitions of renewal – resuming an activity and the repair of something that is worn out or broken.

“I think the definitions of renewal fit perfectly with what we need to do as a diocese,” he said.  “It’s an acknowledgement that we need to resume our mission and ministry to the Gospel.  And the time is now.  It is not about being scared or afraid of the Gospel message or the mission that Jesus has placed each of us on no matter our state in life.  But now is the time.  Today is the day.”

 

Road to Renewal Prayer

In every age, O God, you have called us
to be your people, to be your Church.

In this time, we begin anew to discern
the pathways that will lead us,
your people, closer to you.

Continually bless our journey
as we proclaim your Good News,
celebrate your saving presence among us,
serve others with charity and justice,
and steward the world
you have entrusted to our care.

Send your Spirit to lead and guide
our Emmaus journey as we commit
ourselves to the renewal of our Church.

This we ask through Christ our Lord.

Amen.