"On the way."
The Lay Centre joyfully launched the new academic year on Sept. 26, with the first stage of the lay leadership development program entitled "On the Way: Crossing the threshold of a Synodal Church."
We are "on the way" — on a journey that has already begun. It is like the journey of the travelers and guests of the Holy Trinity depicted in the icon by the school of Vladimir-Susdal in our chapel. It is a synod, a coming together of people through prayer, study and work.
It is important to recognize that many themes associated with the synodal process have been an integral part of The Lay Centre journey over the past 36 years. The journeying companions are the past and present members of our community, ready to listen to each other and make sure that all voices are heard. They welcome friends and visitors and celebrate the milestones of the journey; they nourish the desire to always be in dialogue with the Church and the world. They wish to be discerning people whose hearts are burning for unity.
We are "crossing the threshold of a synodal church." This is an invitation to go deeper, to embrace the full meaning of our baptism and to explore new ways of exercising co-responsibility in the Church.
This academic year, 2022-2023, will highlight efforts in this direction. As we journey together, we also remember you, dear friends, who join us “on the way.”
Donna Orsuto, Director