Wednesday's Events
December 9, 2020
Arise and Commit to Changing the World
Daily Prayer and Reflection
Archbishop Nelson Pérez
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
And be sure to take time today to pray the Official Prayer for the 2020 Forum. With the intercessions of these holy companions, we pray in solidarity with one another as we “arise and hope.”
Your Forum Prayer Guide for Wednesday, December 9, 2020
We are invited to commit to changing the world, to sanctify it (cf. Apostolicam Actuositatem) and to make the Kingdom of God manifest within it. All of God’s people are called to be co-laborers in the vineyard, working to change the world by God’s grace. Jesus Christ calls us to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (cf. Mt 5:13-14) so that the world may be transformed (cf. Christifideles Laici)
Scripture for the Day: Isaiah 35:1-10
This is the first reading for the celebration of Mass on the Third Sunday of Advent. The prophet Isaiah recalls how the Lord has sent him to “bring glad tidings to the poor,” to, “heal the broken-hearted,” and to, “proclaim liberty to the captives.” We too are called, as was the prophet Isaiah, to commit to change the world through these works for “so will the Lord GOD make justice and
praise spring up before all the nations.” (Is 35:1-10)
Saints and Companions for the Day
St. Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)
the visionary founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), who told his company and who says to us today: “Go set the world ablaze!”
St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) and St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660) who together were committed to serving the poor and co-founded the Daughters of Charity
St. Katherine Drexel (1858-1955)
a Philadelphia native who founded the religious community, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, and Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, committed her life to forming mission schools and serving the oppressed and underserved across the
United States.
St. Oscar Romero (1917-1980)
the heroic Archbishop of San Salvador and Martyr, took to the airwaves to bring the Gospel to the people of El Salvador despite the efforts of the government. Romero, known as ‘the voice of those without voice’ was martyred while celebrating Mass on March 24, 1980.
And be sure to take time today to pray the Official Prayer for the 2020 Forum. With the intercessions of these holy companions, we pray in solidarity with one another as we “arise and hope.”
2:00-3:00 PM Eastern
Ministry Meets Innovations: Keynote
Join us for a dynamic conversation around the theme of innovation in the Church, with a particular focus on accompaniment of young adults. Panelists will share their experiences and how they navigated challenges and responded to them with innovative action.
Featuring: Keynote Speaker, Fr. Alexandre Awi Mello, I.Sch. (of the Vatican Dicastery for Laity Family and Life in Rome); Panelists Kerry Robinson (of Raskob Foundation and Leadership Roundtable), Doug Tooke (of ODB Films), Louis Damani Jones (of Washington University in St. Louis), and Sr. Bernadette Mota, FMA (of Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco), with Dr. Tracey Lamont (of Loyola University New Orleans) as moderator
This keynote session is sponsored by our platinum sponsor, Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology’s Young Adult Initiative. We are grateful for their generous support.
Spanish and English translation available.
8:00-9:00 PM Eastern (Virtual "doors" will be open at 7:30 for fellowship)
Creative Conversations: See
Join in the conversation with your fellow Forum participants as we engage in topics facing our ministry. Have an opportunity to ask questions of other ministry leaders, and engage in ministry formation.
12:00-1:00 PM Eastern
Aloha Hour
Join participants from across the country to say “hello” to each other and “hello” to a new innovative skill. This is your time to network with other participants in the forum while also engage in small group discussions with others in your track. We will showcase an important ministry skill and then launch into small group discussions. On Wednesday, we will display the skill of “Radical Hospitality” with Jane Angha. In order to join the breakout sessions in this call, you *Need* to download the latest version of zoom onto your computer or phone. See you there!
Jane Angha is the founder & director, of Ministry Blueprints, an organization dedicated to training, equipping, and empowering parish leaders and volunteers to create warm and welcoming environments for those they serve.