Schemmel Lecture at Clarke University
The Future of the Synodal Church in the U.S.
I am happy to announce that I have been invited to give the annual Frederik and Emma Schemmel Theology Lecture at Clarke University this Tuesday, April 15, and I will be speaking on “The Future of the Synodal Church in the U.S.” In the lecture, among other things, I will present some of the main recommendations for the renewal of the Church found in the final document from last year’s second session of the Synod on Synodality, and then I’ll discuss how a renewed Church in the US could serve as a prophetic witness in today’s troubled world.
Of course, I know most readers won’t be able to attend the lecture. I don’t think it will be livestreamed, and I’m unsure if it will be recorded or if a recording will be available online afterwards. I will definitely let readers know once I find out, however!
The bad news is that over the past week, I’ve had to devote all my writing time to preparing for the lecture. That’s why I haven’t published anything here at Window Light since last week’s reflection on the 2025 Los Angeles Religious Education Congress and my summary of the Catholic Theological Society of America’s recent virtual event on theologians and immigration. I hope to get back in the swing of things later this week. I have more ideas than I have time to write, which is frustrating, although I suppose it’s better than having time but no ideas.
Until then, I’m including a link to another Lenten reflection from the past, in this case a 2024 reflection on Palm Sunday, one of my favorite liturgical celebrations. The article was originally for paid subscribers only, but I’ve made it available to all readers.
The Drama of Palm Sunday
What now seems like a lifetime ago, I used to be the unofficial coordinator of liturgical music for the Spanish Mass at a parish in Dubuque, Iowa where my wife was then the Hispanic Minister. Palm Sunday was always one of my favorite Sundays to plan for because of the dramatic shift in tone from the beginning of the liturgy to the end. I would always pair the opening reading, which describes Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the procession in which congregants wave palms with an upbeat, rhythmic song praising God, and then end the Mass with a song emphasizing our need for God’s mercy.
Thank you for your patience, and thanks for reading Window Light!
Praying for the success of your presentation! I strongly believe that Synodality is the balm of the Spirit for our times!!
Would be very interested to hear a recording of your lecture on the synod.