Next week, the efforts of hundreds of Catholics in northern Georgia come to a boiling point.

The flame is in the oven. The food sizzles in the pans. Even those items that have been temporarily on the back-burner are moved to the front.

These are metaphors out of the kitchen, taken from our natural vocabulary. In reality, the flame of a Synod is the Holy Spirit. The food is the sum-total of our beliefs and prayers, of preaching and good works, the moral standards and the desire for unity. And on that supernatural back-burner are the things we forget - the “sacrament” of the present moment, the concern for the things of the mind, the compassion for the needy, and the warmth we must impart to a cold and rancorous world.

Who Is Invited?

Everyone. Literally, everyone. In the new open climate of the Church, all of the sessions are open to the public, Protestant, Jewish and Orthodox clergymen have received special invitations, and we ask for their constant comments. Other dioceses have been kind enough to send representatives. The press will be there.

But you, a member of the People of God, are the special guests. For this Synod has been convened and planned that Christ might be more present in you. In your home, in our cities and towns. Come as often as you can Nov. 21-23.

Who Represents You?

Last January, you voted in your churches for the delegates who would represent you at the Lay Congress. Then the sisters held their Congress. Now your priests - nearly 100 of them - have completed their own studies and examined every formal recommendation made by the laity, young adult, and sisters.

You twice, through them, as well as through the letters you sent to us, will be heard in the Synod:

Official auditors (lay, young adults and sisters) are now studying the proposed drafts. They will attend all the Synod’s sessions.

What To Do?

1. Offer yourself, your works and your prayers to Our Lord - at Mass in your own parish churches Sunday - and at the Opening Mass of the Synod at the Cathedral Sunday at 7 p.m.

2. Read the decrees of Vatican II, and your old issues of the Georgia Bulletin concerned with the Synod.

3. Think and pray about the archdiocese which is your home.

4. Attend the sessions of the Synod.

5. Think and pray some more.

May God bless you and yours!

Paul J. Hallinan

Archbishop of Atlanta