With mind and heart centered in Christ, whose gift of communion defines and directs us, I pray that we may prepare ourselves well for our archdiocesan synod next year. May our understanding of the Eucharist—the Sacrament of Unity—assist us to embrace more fully Christ’s missionary mandate in our local Church. By the power of the Holy Spirit, may our Eucharistic identity determine our priorities, form our values, and guide our decisions so that in the coming years we may best fulfill Christ’s plan to bring all things together in him. May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us and assist us to draw closer to her Son, so that an even greater outpouring of grace may be shared by our archdiocese, parishes, schools, homes and hearts, and more people may be welcomed into the gift of communion with God and neighbor.