Two things to share in this section:

First: In last week's Watters' Edge, I wrote about the Vatican's Questionnaire that addresses issues impacting Family Life. The Questionnaire has been sent to all bishops' conferences around the world asking that it be distributed to all parishes so that Catholics can fill it out and send it back to their bishops who, in turn, will send the tabulated results to the Vatican no later than December 31st of this year. Having found a well-composed version of the Questionnaire, we initially planned to send it out to all our parishioners. However, we received word from Archbishop Lori that, once he had the chance to meet with his advisory council of priests this week, he would be sending all the parishes the Questionnaire he would like us to utilize in responding to the Vatican's request to survey the thoughts and ideas of "grass roots" parishioners about the personal issues and moral challenges that are facing family life everywhere. Thus, as soon as we receive from the Archdiocese its version of the Questionnaire, we will make it available to everyone not only by email but also by way of printed copies for those who do not use email or find it too difficult to fill out a questionnaire online.

In addition to our planning for everyone to fill out the Questionnaire, we also have determined that everyone should have an opportunity to speak publicly about his/her responses to the Vatican's questions. Thus, we are planning to hold a series of forums after each Mass on the weekend of December 7th-8th. At each forum there will be a facilitator and a recorder to conduct an oral survey. The results of those gatherings will also be sent to the Archdiocese to be included in its report to the Vatican.

It is important that everyone take part in this amazing opportunity to inform our own Archbishop and the Vatican what our responses are to this unprecedented Questionnaire.  

The second thing I want to share with you, just in case you have not seen the news report: "Pope Francis: I'm Like a Pharmacist," is the incident that went viral on Sunday. Do take a close look at the "medicine box" being distributed in St. Peter's Square. Even more importantly, take note of what is in the box. If you don't have what the medicine box contains, our parish will give one to you along with a "prescription card" that tells you how to use the medicine each day. Simply drop your name and email address in the container marked "medicine" in the narthex or in the Reeves Gallery. You will be notified when your "medicine" is ready. So read on about Pope Francis, the Pharmacist!!! - click here.