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CURRENT ISSUE

Priests Meet to Begin Dialogue of Renewal

The Dialogue of Renewal initiated in June by Bishop Edward K. Braxton and the Executive Committee of the Presbyteral Council took its next step on July 2nd and 3rd with a series of meetings between Mr. Tom Reid, who is serving as consultant to this process, and priests in the Diocese of Belleville.

Mr. Reid met with various groups of priests in four different gatherings on July 2nd and 3rd. The purpose of these meetings was to listen to the questions and concerns as well as hopes and suggestions of priests representing very different points of view. Mr. Reid also met with the Steering Committee, comprised of the Father John McEvilly, V.G., Father Jerry Wirth, two representatives nominated by the bishop, and two representatives nominated by the priests. They are responsible for organizing and overseeing the dialogue process.

These meetings served as preparation for the next step in the process which is an intensive meeting, scheduled for early August, of Mr. Reid and the Steering Committee with Bishop Braxton to discuss the key issues and formulate plans for constructive dialogue among the priests and between the priests and Bishop Braxton.

Bishop Braxton and the Steering Committee ask all the priests, religious and laity of the diocese to accompany them on this journey, praying for wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they seek to renew communication and collaboration among all the priests with their bishops for the good of all the People of God in the Diocese of Belleville.