The People Speak Out

Local voices connecting globally

This is important: to get to know people, listen, expand the circle of ideas. The world is crisscrossed by roads that come closer together and move apart, but the important thing is that they lead towards the Good.  (Pope Francis)

Canon Law 212 calls upon the laity to speak up:

2 - The Christian faithful are free to make known to the pastors of the Church their needs, especially spiritual ones, and their desires.

§3. - According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion known to the rest of the Christian faithful, without prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons.

Getting Started   

Call on a friend or another member of your group, have coffee, and get him or her on board to help you organize.

Discuss how you envision the Need, the Vision, and the Goals within your local community.

Determine the model of gathering that best suits your local community.

Start talking to others to build support

Existing groups that might welcome some great discussions or perhaps another local reform organization.

Call or email members of your parish or an organization of which you are a part and share your plan with them. Ask them if they would support such a gathering.

Call or email friends whom you sense have been affected by church teachings in the past and ask if they would be interested in coming to a gathering to share their experiences.

Schedule the Gathering and secure a suitable venue. 

Get the word out!

Click <here> for a sample invitation to the people to attend your meeting.

Click <here> for a sample letter inviting your Pastor, local clergy, or Bishop.

Remember to reach out to former Catholics and those on the periphery of the Church as well.

Be sure to publicize your event widely. See if it can be announced in your parish bulletin or, if you’re very lucky, in the diocesan newsletter.