(Courtesy photo)
By Father Jaroslaw Z. Skrzypek
Special to the Herald
As we enter the sacred season of Lent, the call to conversion resonates loudly not only within our communities but also within our hearts. It is a time for reflection, a moment to confront our spiritual complacencies and an invitation to grow deeper in our faith.
Inspired by both my journey as a presbyter (priest) walking with the Neocatechumenal Way and the profound insights of Pope Francis, I find myself at a crossroads of personal and communal renewal.
Pope Francis reminds us that “change is necessary to grow. If we do not change, we do not grow.” This assertion speaks directly to the core of our Lenten practices.
The season is not just a period of penance; it is a transformative journey meant to change our very being, shifting us from spiritual stagnation to vibrant growth.
At St. John the Baptist Parish in Kalihi, the Neocatechumenal Way — a spiritual renewal movement within the Catholic Church founded in Spain in 1964 — has been a guiding light in my priestly life, providing a structured yet profound method for deepening one’s faith. It emphasizes the importance of community, personal testimony and the call to live out our beliefs authentically.
Through weekly gatherings, sharing our struggles and joys, I have learned that conversion is not a solitary endeavor. It requires the support of fellow believers who walk alongside us in our journey toward Christ. This communal aspect is essential, especially in a world that often promotes isolation and self-reliance.
Leadership renewal, as emphasized by Pope Francis, is crucial not just in the Vatican but in every parish and diocese. The pope’s decision to appoint both religious and laity in high-profile offices demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and a recognition that effective leadership requires diverse perspectives.
This approach inspires us as clergy to lead by example, embracing both change and collaboration. It invites us to reflect on how our leadership styles can evolve in a manner that fosters growth within our communities and invigorates the faith of our parishioners.
During this Lenten season, I have begun to re-evaluate my own approach to leadership. Am I nurturing an environment where change is welcome? Am I encouraging others to express their gifts and talents, thereby enabling collective growth?
The Neocatechumenal Way has taught me to listen attentively — both to God’s voice and the voices within my community. It has illuminated the importance of ongoing catechesis and the transformative power of personal testimony.
As I share my faith journey, I invite others to do the same, creating a tapestry of experiences that foster deeper connections with Christ and one another.
In embracing the spirit of change, I have also committed to ongoing personal development.
This season of Lent challenges me to step out of my comfort zone, whether it’s refining my pastoral skills, engaging in further theological studies or finding new ways to reach those who feel distant from the church. The call to conversion is not just about deepening my relationship with God; it’s about embodying that relationship in actionable ways that impact others.
It is in the embrace of change that we uncover the beauty of spiritual growth. We learn that the Lenten journey is not solely about giving up or sacrificing physical comforts; it’s about opening our hearts to God’s transformative grace. It’s about aligning ourselves more closely with the path that Jesus set for us, following him with a renewed spirit that reflects our gratitude for his sacrifice.
This Lent, as I meditate on the words of Pope Francis and reflect on my life through the lens of the Neocatechumenal Way, I am reminded of the power of conversion — both personal and communal.
Together, let us be agents of change in our parishes, communities and families. Let us listen to God’s call, embrace our transformations, and support one another in this sacred and beautiful journey toward Easter. In doing so, we not only foster our own spiritual renewal but also participate in a larger movement of faith that embraces the ever-unfolding narrative of God’s love in our world.
Through this Lenten season of conversion, may we grow not just as individuals, but as a vibrant, faith-filled community in service to Christ and one another.
Father Skrzypek is parish administrator of St. John the Baptist Church in Kalihi.
