Bishop Bonnar: To be adaptive for mission, the Church needs to “steer away from the rear-view mirror and the sense of nostalgia to the front windshield and a whole new way of seeing and being.”

Bishop Bonnar: “The Synod on Synodality . . . is the continuation of Pope Francis’ missionary dream seeking to bring the Good News to the world, especially to the peripheries with the hope of bringing renewal to the Church, a renewal that breathes new life and change into the Church from the Holy Spirit.”

Bishop Bonnar: “I know that we have a rich past filled with special memories, many of which involve our church buildings. I believe our future can be just as rich if we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and invest our efforts in becoming missionary disciples.”

Bishop David Bonnar’s homily at Kent State University Parish Newman Center/Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel on Sunday evening, October 3, 2021.

Bishop Bonnar: “Our local Church, the Diocese of Youngstown, finds herself in a time of change. Things are not what they used to be. My late predecessor, Bishop George Murry, knew this so well when a few years ago he established a Regional Plan for parishes and providing for the needs of the faithful. . . . As we have fewer and fewer priests for ministry, time is of the essence. We cannot stand still.”

Bishop Bonnar: “Through our baptism, we are all called to be one. In fact, that is Jesus’ great priestly prayer for all of us: “That all may be one.” (John 17:21) That very prayer of Jesus serves as my prayer and episcopal motto. Every day I pray “That all may be one.” This “all” of course includes the clergy, religious and faithful. In a particular way, priests are called to model this unity with one another.”