On Jan. 11, Most Rev. Patrick J. Zurek, Bishop of the Diocese of Amarillo, issued a proclamation regarding a new initiative that will directly impact the thousands of Catholics living and worshipping in the top 26 counties of Texas.
The official proclamation was delivered by Bishop Zurek at St. Laurence Cathedral. On the same Sunday, the proclamation was read in every parish and mission in the diocese.
The initiative, known as the Diocesan Assembly, will unfold over the course of two years, providing opportunities for input and active listening, discernment, and action by clergy and members of the 49 parishes and missions in the Amarillo Diocese under the guidance of Bishop Zurek. The process will build up to a celebratory gathering for all the Catholics of the diocese.
“Listen – Understand – Proclaim” is the theme of the initiative. The goal of bringing unity and apostolic zeal to the Church in the Diocese of Amarillo is symbolized by the logo, which reflects worshippers of diverse ethnicity raising their hands in praise, under a single, unifying roof, which sits on a solid foundation.
In the Vision Statement for the Diocesan Assembly, Bishop Zurek says, “My hope and prayer is that through the process of the Diocesan Assembly, the Diocese of Amarillo will grow in its understanding of what it means to be a local Church in communion with the universal Catholic Church. The Acts of the Apostles gives us this guide: ‘They were of one mind and heart.’
“I also hope that we will realize more clearly and practically the importance of the Church for salvation. Isaac of Stella put it this way: ‘Christ is not complete without the Church, nor is the Church complete without Christ.’
“Of special concern are our youth, the un-churched and recent migrants to our area,” Bishop Zurek said.