St. Patrick's Catholic Church
Read this article about the demolition of St. Patrick's, and note the comments afterward. How did this parish go from being alive and active and financially viable four short years ago to its current course--deep divisions, financial instability, and diminishing numbers? There is a common factor.
In June our parish leadership rolled out a Strategic Way plan to some in our parish--mainly staff, parish councils and ministry groups. In September Deacon Dean will roll out his facilities plan to the whole parish in a series of small group meetings.
Recently he wrote an article titled For Generations to Come in which he said, "If we maintain our current financial course, we will eventually cease to exist." That is strategic fear-mongering.
Watch for a new article at SavingOurParish.com in the next few days. In the meantime, look at the dismantling of our parish, both physically and spiritually, and make the determination that you are going to do something about it. Enough is enough. This parish has 2,500 enrolled Catholic households. Those numbers would thrill any pastor of any local Christian sect. All Saints Parish is not in danger of death unless the parishioners consent to it by allowing the leadership to implement negative actions that tear down instead of build up.
There is much that we can do. There are solutions that do not involve selling off, tearing down, or closing up. They will be shared in upcoming weeks, and we hope you will share your ideas with us. Speaking to the church in Sardis, the Angel of the Lord said to St. John the Apostle, "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God," (Rev. 3:2).
Let us be determined to be watchful and to strengthen our parish instead of letting it be destroyed from within. We are many, and the force of our prayers and actions have the power to determine the future of All Saints Parish. Catholics are used to fighting the good fight. It's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.
God bless you all and "Pray without ceasing" for our parish. It is worth every word and soulful sigh that goes up to Heaven.
Does anyone realize what kind of a message we are sending to other churches in the area when we are closing ours and they are adding on or looking for buildings to buy? Word is out that a church in Gang Mills has been looking to buy IHM. Won't that be nice to see another church denomination thriving in our facility so a Victory Hgwy type complex can be up at St. Mary's. Lights, cameras, microphones, stages..that's where it's all headed folks!
ReplyDeleteSo true but what do we do to turn things around? If we don't have a change in leadership, I predict that eventually we won't even be able to fill one church. Please. Somebody come up with a plan to pull the parishioners together. We have to rise as one or we will fall as one. Deacon Dean- if you are reading this, please, please listen to what people are trying to say. Work with this community not against us. Quit trying to fix things that aren't broken- this type of thinking has caused too much loss. Bring Alene back. Swallow your pride, let the parishioners have a chance to fund her salary. They will do this! Trust the people who know this community better than you.
ReplyDeleteShe won't come back. Why would she ever, ever work in that environment again. She deserves better.
ReplyDeleteAlene would never to come back to that mess. It's been horrible since he stepped foot in the place. She's the one who will come out on top in the long run. He will eventually get rid of anyone who speaks up to him or against him. If people only knew the things that have transpired since his arrival they would be flabbergasted.
ReplyDeleteOk- maybe I was wrong to suggest that Deacon Dean reconsider Alene's termination. Wishful thinking on my part. If she could come back, other's wouldn't be leaving. I know that this isn't about Alene, she wouldn't want that but it's about the people who make church a place your kids want to be. What happened to her and what happened to Marie both left holes that won't be filled. It does make it easier to leave but it should never have happened.
ReplyDeleteWhat is taking the biggest hit is the future of the church. Only a handful of teens participate. I remember when my daughter did the mission week a few years ago. There were over 80 teens and they built a wooden playground for a family on Tuxill avenue. They did a ton of other things and they were excited to be involved. They were proud of what they were able to do and proud to be part of the youth group. In the bulletin it stated that this year there were 5 or 6 kids who helped. If we don't get the kids involved, there is no future for the church.
ReplyDeleteKids are very perceptive and know a good group leader whether it be mission week, wrapping presents, doing a pasta night, living stations, selling plants, cleaning on Market St. and the list could go on and on. The retreat at the union hall was a prime example..no twisted arms to attend and Addison loved the teens coming to Mass there.
ReplyDeleteI just tried to vote on the web poll but it said that I had already voted. I haven't. I wanted to share that I am not opposed to the position of Pastoral Administrator, with the priest shortage in the US, it can be a helpful solution. What I am opposed to is poor leadership, from a Priest or, in our case, a deacon. He needs to be removed. Anybody reading this site would have to agree.
ReplyDeleteI will ask the web admin if there is a glitch on the poll.
ReplyDeleteThanks for alerting us to the problem.
we must keep up the pressure!!! sooner or later we will be heard!!! we cant give up or let this slide!!! keep pushing fellow brothers and sisters we can do this!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe problem with the web poll is that only one vote can be cast from each computer. (ex.-If you share a computer with a spouse and log in under different e-mails, you can still only cast one vote from that computer.)
ReplyDelete