Carol Schaffer
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Carol Schaffer
Permanent Community Member
“Let us journey together: a Church without joy is unthinkable!”
When I retired during the pandemic from my job of twenty-five years, I was determined to find something worthwhile to do in the next phase of my life. My husband and I had attended Mass at CC@S for years but never got involved with the community—now I finally had the time. The first thing I did was join the reading group of Al and Barbara Gelpi that for years I had read about longingly in the bulletin. Looking at the stack of fifteen remarkable books I have read with this group, I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to experience the warmth and generosity of the Gelpis and their extensive literary knowledge.
I reflect often on how thankful I am to be a Catholic and the many invaluable gifts I have received over the years. I am in awe of the leadership style of Pope Francis and of his inspiring courage and confidence in doing what he thinks must be done for the Church. (I also love that he has a vast CD collection and can be almost giddy when he is among young children.) Last year Pope Francis launched a massive multiyear listening experience for the entire Church called a Synod on Synodality. No secular organization would ever undertake such an enormous endeavor with so little time and such limited preparation. He received much criticism from the naysayers in the Church and because of this I was determined to do whatever I could to help make this synod a success at CC@S. The Pope explained synodality to mean the entire Church on the road together carrying the Gospel into the world. He wanted his vision to come alive with everyone—from bishops to laity. He urged the baptized around the world to reflect on how we can be the Church we are called to be in the third millennium, always with the abiding presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
I was heartened that Fr. Xavier from the onset enthusiastically embraced this Synod and sought in a multitude of ways to involve the CC@S. Since last December, I have been a member of the Synod Planning Team, a dedicated group led by the tireless Sr. Gloria. We hope and pray often that our CC@S listening sessions, corresponding syntheses, and resulting synod teams will bring our community closer on our journey together and ultimately serve others with great joy!
