Now is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It won’t last forever. We must take it or leave it. – C.S. Lewis
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Faith By Interaction
There's a new website up. You have to check it out. The video "The Book of Life" will have you crying. The photo gallery will have you smiling.
My mother-in-law in residing at Emeritus and has her calendar marked for their monthly visits, when they actually are able to get her out of her comfort zone as she claps, laughs and sometimes even dances with the teens. I was there when they came and was so impressed with how they conversed with the elderly, bending over to ask them questions and inviting them to dance. Some of the residents are unable to stand and the teens just took their hands and danced anyway. Before they left, they gathered everyone in a circle and held their hands to pray for all the residents, I think that is when I wiped the tears from my eyes. To all who are involved, please continue this ministry. When you have lost your home and are losing your ability to function as you once did, it can be a very sad, lonely and frightening time. When teens like the FBI show that they care, it truly does make an impact. My only complaint, is that they can't come more often but I know how busy they are! Beth Ann
Sounds like a great group of teens and it looks like they are having a grand time. Wish I was a teen again, I would have loved this sort of opportunity! I hope they keep up the good and godly work. Blessings to them all.
Initially, I was told that the FBI group was a source of contention and division for the parish but notice from the pictures on this new site that there are familiar faces from the parish youth group. So, inspite of parish division, isn't it wonderful that the "children" figure out ways to work together for the common good? For one, I am happy that there are choices for the young people and think that rather than condemn the new FBI group, the parish would do better to offer support.
To 8:39 Yes, we should all support these teens who want to give their time to help others. Makes no difference to me what group they are representing, only what they are willing to do. Wish I could get them to come to my house and help with the spring clean-up!
8:39..goes to prove you can't believe what some try to spread about the FBI group. These are good kids doing good things. No glitz, no glamour, no lights, no personal agendas... Oh, and I forgot..no scripted program!amazing..imagine that!
12:16 Don't forget, good leadership makes the difference. We all know the real reason this group is successful. Thank you to all who have brought this group together with a selfless vision to serve. I still marvel at the fact that they raised $10,000 for the well project.
2:14 Maybe we should put these FBI kids on the fundraising committee for the All Saints Parish! Anybody ever thought about why they had no problem surpassing their goal, when we can hardly meet payroll?
To 7:32 As I sat in Church today I thought the very same thing! The bulletin reports that $12,464. was colloected last weekend so at that rate we are collecting $648,128. for the year. There should be no question that this is enough to save our Churches. Thank you Jesus!
7:32 The collections will taper off after a few months, they always do after these major "give us more" campaigns. We want to see the good fruits and all we are getting is rotten apples. Save Saint Vincent's? If a million bucks would do it, we could raise it but as we have all figured out, it ain't about the money, it's about the DREAM and the DREAMER.
Oh and I forgot, congratulations to the FBI and all the people who make it happen. It is too bad that you aren't affiliated with the parish, we need some good PR, for a change.
to 11:58 If you need help and aren't able to do the work, I am sure that the FBI kids would help-they raked my neighbors leaves in the fall and were an exceptional group of teens. When I went over to praise them, they offered to do mine- free of charge! I would contact one of the leaders.
This is a beautiful new website and what an impressive group of teens. When God is at the helm, anything is possible. Who would have thought that our teens would ever have a chance to be involved like this again? Like the old saying goes, when He closes a door, He opens a window. Thank you for saying "yes", no need to clarify.
In regard to the increase in commitment of money I have a question. The letter sent to us regarding this,stated that given the economic hardships faced by so many these days, the church has been asked more frequently to help. There was nothing about the money being used for operational expenses. So, will we the givers of the monies, get any accountability from administration showing the increase in help ASP was able to give because of our offerings? Like, a before and after the increase, records? It is only right and just to do so. If indeed the monies will be used for operational costs it is the honest thing to do to inform us. Is this asking too much?
my take- the response was not good. When Dean says things like "we heard from many", this is not revealing anything. If a majority of the parishioners had responded generously, he would have stated "how many". He is intentionally elusive, playing a deceptive game. Heck, why not post the pledges, like they do for the CMA? Also, it is stated in the bulletin that the office hours are changing; the Central Office will no longer open at 8am, but rather 9am. This would translate into less hours=less pay for staff, right? Finally, it is good to see some sacrifice from within.
1:11 I agree. It helps those of us in the pews who are being asked to make sacrifices if we see that the staff is willing to give up an hour of pay each day. Does anybody know how much money this will save? It all adds up. I still think we have way too many full-time staff in comparison to other local churches.
The 'old' way: Pastor priest, part time or volunteer youth minister, bookkeeper, secretary, groundskeeper (maybe), organist, deacons, elected councils, many volunteers to do the rest.
The 'new' way: administrator (at more salary than priest), sacramental minister (priest), business manger, bookkeeper, secretary, pastoral associate, several other positions that have to do with various other 'ministries' that are now 'professionalized', maintenance/grounds company, full-time youth ministers, paid accompanist, deacons, hand-picked councils, volunteers to take orders.
to 2:24 I have not heard that any staff are taking a cut in pay for less time in the office. Is this definite or are you assuming? It seems like it would have been in the bulletin but I may have missed it. The bulletin is so congested now- I skip over much of it. Who has time to read a journal every week?
As far as those bulletins go, I look to see if it's Fr. Lew's or Deacon Jim's pictures by the articles and then read only those. Of course we all know who gets his picture in everytime he gets a chance...and you are right, who wants to read all that nonsense?..if he's trying to impress anyone he's not.
Not a fan of current leadership but maybe someone else is advising him to plaster his face all over the bulletin. Maybe the strategy is to promote a smiling face to give a happy impression for the parish. Sometimes I think he listens to the wrong people and tunes out the people he should be listening to. Another symptom of a poor leader- I don't think the intent is maliciously founded. But seriously, enough pictures, it really isn't helping the matter. We will have the new directory soon if we need to see a picture, no need for so many on a weekly basis.
regarding office hours....they may start later but aren't they open later???? and what about closing for lunch for an hour....there was a time when the office was open and workers ate between door bells and phone calls...don't think this is saving any money....just clever wording....
Why don't you just ask them? Or else you could change the name of this blog to Trashing Our Parish. I don't agree with things that happen at this parish, but at some point don't you have to ask yourself if this is productive?
7:18 People are just frustrated, it doesn't go away, it festers. Unresolved. The parish wants more money and what do we get? Another church to close. I don't have any answers only prayers and sympathy for all who are hurting. Do you have any suggestions for productive action?
This post started out as a happy, feel-good FBI moment. Why do things always turn sour and back to leadership? Like those in the FBI group, we all need to find better ways to move on. We can't change the situation but we can change the way we respond.
Not sure how productive not talking out against wrongdoing is, either. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
First off, it is our duty and obligation to expose error whenever it presents itself. When error is entrenched, one must expose it often and early.
Second, the truth trashes the wrongdoing, and often it is unpleasant. Feelings are hurt, friends are alienated. It exposes the ugliness and convicts the wrongdoers, if they have a heart for God.
The errors in our parish are entrenched in a vision that does not reflect the needs and will of the parishioners.
No one wants judgment. But without judgment there is no justice. And without justice there can be no peace; only oppression.
People must choose, and they must be unafraid to speak the truth -- over and over if necessary.
Yes, there are some over-the-top blogs sometimes. It is unfortunate, and occasionally posts are deleted at the discretion of the administrator. However, all are free to start their own online forums to speak what they choose.
Jesus Christ said many provocative and unpleasant things to the religious leaders of his day. He did not shrink from harsh words that exposed the wrong actions of the leaders of his day.
When one is a confirmed Catholic, one is therefore a warrior for Christ, and duty bound to expose, denounce, renounce and vanquish evil, whenever and wherever it is found.
There are numerous steps that are being taken to move forward with saving St. Vincent. A newsletter will be coming out soon with details.
When you point out every wrong doing or fault, sometimes it could cause hurt far and wide that you don't even realize. What if a few years down the road, the staff or leadership of this parish as many often refer to, look for a job and no one will hire because of this blog....on and on it goes ....not saying they are perfect at all or don't have faults, but...
10:53 We are all being called to respond in different ways. Do what is in your heart, through prayer. Don't worry about what others will say or do, you alone will have to answer for your actions. Jesus warned that He came to divide-why are we surprised when his words come to pass?
Anon 9:47. That is a very good video, and I hope that all who read your blog watched it. Now I have a few questions for you. Is exposing wrongdoing the same as gossip?
When John the Baptist called his religious leaders a 'brood of vipers' was he being mean and insensitive? Was it a sin to accuse them in such a way?
The insults and accusations go both ways. Would you be willing to step up and publicly defend parishioners who have been maligned by parish staff?
Think about the opportunities and forum that leadership has. A captive audience at each weekend mass. The force and power of their position to spread rumors and accusations. The confidence that they are not answerable to parishioners for their words and actions.
I would say a forum in which parishioners are finally given a voice to speak out is a good thing. Lord knows they have been suppressed for years.
The majority of parishioners don't agree with teh direction of leadership and would prefer to have a priest as pastor. However, the parish has a leadership model that is not the right one for the Catholic Church. Is it the right thing to do to push that off to another unsuspecting parish? That is what happened with the priest scandal.
645 You are on target. The Church is aware of their poor leaders. They stick them in places where they think they will blend in. (Kind of like the school district does when moving bad teachers from one building to another, at the expense of the students.) The Diocese knew full well that there were problems with the leadership style of our current leader before they tapped him to come here. His reputation precedes him. Faithful parishioners abandonded Guardian Angels. The difference could be that they were less vocal than we All Saints people have been and more willing to simply switch to another parish. There must be other positions where the Diocese could place our struggling leader. His gifts do not correspond to parish leadership and until the Diocese acknowledges this, expect conflict and division as he climbs the Diocesean ladder.
I visited this site because I heard there was some really nice praises for the FBI group, which my daughter belongs to and loves. But the post is more about the issues of the parish. Just to set things straight, the FBI is not connected with the parish, intentionally and if you read these blogs, you will see why! We have moved on with our kids but it feels like many of you are still in a difficult place. It was hard at first to leave but we are happier now. Reading some of these comments reaffirms our decision to make a new beginning.
It would be great to have some input from some Guardian Angels parishioners to put this all into perspective. Anyone have a contact to get the ball rolling?
For all we know some Guardian Angels folks may be writing on this blog. Word has gotten around the diocese that the blog exists. What new info could we get from them? Our situation is what it is and until the diocese leadership (Bishop and his cohorts) decide the members of a parish are to be listened to, regarding their needs then we have to live with their decision to keep moving inept leaders around. Yes, it is very similar to the priest scandal but but justice toward people does not supercede protection of men who by ordination think they are leaders.
I think we've "kicked the can" down the road for years now, not only in this parish and diocese, but throughout the American church (not to mention in our state and country, but that's another blog ;-) We've only postponed the inevitable, which has made the current fight nastier. Who are we? What kind of church are we going to be? What are our priorities? It used to be that our number one goal was to save souls - that's no longer the case. Take a look at the mission statements and actions of our parish and others. If we keep looking away, walking away, or sitting silently in the pews, there will be very little left of the church. We've already lost a staggering number of churches and schools in this diocese. I agree with 11:51 that we're being called to respond in different ways. But please, do respond.
Amen, Susan, amen. We've been lukewarm for way too long. I, for one, am tired of the complacency. Let us burn with desire to preserve the tradition, the honor and the spirit of our Roman Catholic faith. Christ died for this faith-it is our obligation to fight for it.
I hope the collection is overflowing this weekend with all the "many" new pledges to increase sacrificial giving. Then, and finally, we can look forward to sitting down with those who desire to close our church for "financial reasons" to discuss how we will keep the church open.
We'll soon see what the real agenda is...$ or otherwise.
The FBI is a great group of teens and they have done a lot of service to our area. I'm not sure why they are discussed on this website. The group of adults that are running this group do not even belong to our parish. There are also other groups of teens in our community that do good work but they belong to other churches so they are not mentioned on a website that is called Saving our Parish. FBI is a great group glad the teens enjoy it. It is a club like any other service organization that they may join through school.
Are you kidding me?! The group of adults that are running the FBI, for the most part, are people that at one time did belong to All Saints Parish. Many, if not most, of the youth also do or did belong to the parish. Many of these kids were part of the Church Youth Group when the McCaigs were in charge. Thank God for the McCaigs! These kids are doing a tremendous service for our community and the world! My son, has been able to continue to be part of a wonderful community of teens thanks to the FBI. I've had 4 children go throught the school district. They have some great groups in our public schools, but NOTHING like the FBI. Unfortunately, it seems like these kids were overlooked when it came to the Hands of Christ Award. It is a shame that the bishop has not been made aware of these wonderful teens!!
Response to 5:06 You said it right they did belong to the parish. The group of teens are doing wonderful things, but many of them are no longer with our parish so they should be recognized in the parish that they are now attending. The diocese cannot very well award teens who belong to a group that is not affliated with the diocese even though they have done wonderful things. I'm sure the bishop has heard of this group, but it is not affliated in any way with the diocese.
it's all very frustrating for me, I want my kids to learn about our church but there is only so much time in a student's schedule. The FBI experience or classes through the parish? been struggling with it for months. No matter how good they are, and I'm sure they are, some feel torn at where to send their kids. Unfortunately the existence of these two groups is divisive even if by accident. Sorry, just my opinion, so let the attack begin if you wish.
My mother-in-law in residing at Emeritus and has her calendar marked for their monthly visits, when they actually are able to get her out of her comfort zone as she claps, laughs and sometimes even dances with the teens. I was there when they came and was so impressed with how they conversed with the elderly, bending over to ask them questions and inviting them to dance. Some of the residents are unable to stand and the teens just took their hands and danced anyway. Before they left, they gathered everyone in a circle and held their hands to pray for all the residents, I think that is when I wiped the tears from my eyes. To all who are involved, please continue this ministry. When you have lost your home and are losing your ability to function as you once did, it can be a very sad, lonely and frightening time. When teens like the FBI show that they care, it truly does make an impact. My only complaint, is that they can't come more often but I know how busy they are!
ReplyDeleteBeth Ann
Sounds like a great group of teens and it looks like they are having a grand time. Wish I was a teen again, I would have loved this sort of opportunity! I hope they keep up the good and godly work. Blessings to them all.
ReplyDeleteInitially, I was told that the FBI group was a source of contention and division for the parish but notice from the pictures on this new site that there are familiar faces from the parish youth group. So, inspite of parish division, isn't it wonderful that the "children" figure out ways to work together for the common good? For one, I am happy that there are choices for the young people and think that rather than condemn the new FBI group, the parish would do better to offer support.
ReplyDeleteTo 8:39 Yes, we should all support these teens who want to give their time to help others. Makes no difference to me what group they are representing, only what they are willing to do. Wish I could get them to come to my house and help with the spring clean-up!
ReplyDelete8:39..goes to prove you can't believe what some try to spread about the FBI group. These are good kids doing good things. No glitz, no glamour, no lights, no personal agendas... Oh, and I forgot..no scripted program!amazing..imagine that!
ReplyDelete12:16 Don't forget, good leadership makes the difference. We all know the real reason this group is successful. Thank you to all who have brought this group together with a selfless vision to serve. I still marvel at the fact that they raised $10,000 for the well project.
ReplyDelete2:14. Good leadership is a given here. Good leadership fosters a positive response. The FBI adult staff seeks no recognition. Enough said.
ReplyDelete2:14 Maybe we should put these FBI kids on the fundraising committee for the All Saints Parish! Anybody ever thought about why they had no problem surpassing their goal, when we can hardly meet payroll?
ReplyDeleteI heard today that giving in the parish was up 17% from the week before. Nice. We should be able to save SV with the extra income. (sarcasm off)
ReplyDeleteTo 7:32 As I sat in Church today I thought the very same thing! The bulletin reports that $12,464. was colloected last weekend so at that rate we are collecting $648,128. for the year. There should be no question that this is enough to save our Churches. Thank you Jesus!
ReplyDelete7:32 The collections will taper off after a few months, they always do after these major "give us more" campaigns. We want to see the good fruits and all we are getting is rotten apples. Save Saint Vincent's? If a million bucks would do it, we could raise it but as we have all figured out, it ain't about the money, it's about the DREAM and the DREAMER.
ReplyDeleteOh and I forgot, congratulations to the FBI and all the people who make it happen. It is too bad that you aren't affiliated with the parish, we need some good PR, for a change.
ReplyDeleteto 11:58 If you need help and aren't able to do the work, I am sure that the FBI kids would help-they raked my neighbors leaves in the fall and were an exceptional group of teens. When I went over to praise them, they offered to do mine- free of charge! I would contact one of the leaders.
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful new website and what an impressive group of teens. When God is at the helm, anything is possible. Who would have thought that our teens would ever have a chance to be involved like this again? Like the old saying goes, when He closes a door, He opens a window. Thank you for saying "yes", no need to clarify.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to the increase in commitment of money I have a question. The letter sent to us regarding this,stated that given the economic hardships faced by so many these days, the church has been asked more frequently to help. There was nothing about the money being used for operational expenses. So, will we the givers of the monies, get any accountability from administration showing the increase in help ASP was able to give because of our offerings? Like, a before and after the increase, records? It is only right and just to do so. If indeed the monies will be used for operational costs it is the honest thing to do to inform us. Is this asking too much?
ReplyDeletemy take- the response was not good. When Dean says things like "we heard from many", this is not revealing anything. If a majority of the parishioners had responded generously, he would have stated "how many". He is intentionally elusive, playing a deceptive game. Heck, why not post the pledges, like they do for the CMA? Also, it is stated in the bulletin that the office hours are changing; the Central Office will no longer open at 8am, but rather 9am. This would translate into less hours=less pay for staff, right? Finally, it is good to see some sacrifice from within.
ReplyDelete1:11 I agree. It helps those of us in the pews who are being asked to make sacrifices if we see that the staff is willing to give up an hour of pay each day. Does anybody know how much money this will save? It all adds up. I still think we have way too many full-time staff in comparison to other local churches.
ReplyDeleteThe 'old' way: Pastor priest, part time or volunteer youth minister, bookkeeper, secretary, groundskeeper (maybe), organist, deacons, elected councils, many volunteers to do the rest.
ReplyDeleteThe 'new' way: administrator (at more salary than priest), sacramental minister (priest), business manger, bookkeeper, secretary, pastoral associate, several other positions that have to do with various other 'ministries' that are now 'professionalized', maintenance/grounds company, full-time youth ministers, paid accompanist, deacons, hand-picked councils, volunteers to take orders.
What is wrong with thispicture?
to 2:24 I have not heard that any staff are taking a cut in pay for less time in the office. Is this definite or are you assuming? It seems like it would have been in the bulletin but I may have missed it. The bulletin is so congested now- I skip over much of it. Who has time to read a journal every week?
ReplyDeleteAs far as those bulletins go, I look to see if it's Fr. Lew's or Deacon Jim's pictures by the articles and then read only those. Of course we all know who gets his picture in everytime he gets a chance...and you are right, who wants to read all that nonsense?..if he's trying to impress anyone he's not.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of current leadership but maybe someone else is advising him to plaster his face all over the bulletin. Maybe the strategy is to promote a smiling face to give a happy impression for the parish. Sometimes I think he listens to the wrong people and tunes out the people he should be listening to. Another symptom of a poor leader- I don't think the intent is maliciously founded. But seriously, enough pictures, it really isn't helping the matter. We will have the new directory soon if we need to see a picture, no need for so many on a weekly basis.
ReplyDeleteregarding office hours....they may start later but aren't they open later???? and what about closing for lunch for an hour....there was a time when the office was open and workers ate between door bells and phone calls...don't think this is saving any money....just clever wording....
ReplyDeleteWhy don't you just ask them? Or else you could change the name of this blog to Trashing Our Parish. I don't agree with things that happen at this parish, but at some point don't you have to ask yourself if this is productive?
ReplyDelete7:18 People are just frustrated, it doesn't go away, it festers. Unresolved. The parish wants more money and what do we get? Another church to close. I don't have any answers only prayers and sympathy for all who are hurting. Do you have any suggestions for productive action?
ReplyDeleteThis post started out as a happy, feel-good FBI moment. Why do things always turn sour and back to leadership? Like those in the FBI group, we all need to find better ways to move on. We can't change the situation but we can change the way we respond.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how productive not talking out against wrongdoing is, either. "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." (Edmund Burke)
ReplyDeleteFirst off, it is our duty and obligation to expose error whenever it presents itself. When error is entrenched, one must expose it often and early.
Second, the truth trashes the wrongdoing, and often it is unpleasant. Feelings are hurt, friends are alienated. It exposes the ugliness and convicts the wrongdoers, if they have a heart for God.
The errors in our parish are entrenched in a vision that does not reflect the needs and will of the parishioners.
No one wants judgment. But without judgment there is no justice. And without justice there can be no peace; only oppression.
People must choose, and they must be unafraid to speak the truth -- over and over if necessary.
Yes, there are some over-the-top blogs sometimes. It is unfortunate, and occasionally posts are deleted at the discretion of the administrator. However, all are free to start their own online forums to speak what they choose.
Jesus Christ said many provocative and unpleasant things to the religious leaders of his day. He did not shrink from harsh words that exposed the wrong actions of the leaders of his day.
When one is a confirmed Catholic, one is therefore a warrior for Christ, and duty bound to expose, denounce, renounce and vanquish evil, whenever and wherever it is found.
There are numerous steps that are being taken to move forward with saving St. Vincent. A newsletter will be coming out soon with details.
When you point out every wrong doing or fault, sometimes it could cause hurt far and wide that you don't even realize. What if a few years down the road, the staff or leadership of this parish as many often refer to, look for a job and no one will hire because of this blog....on and on it goes ....not saying they are perfect at all or don't have faults, but...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sp6rVrGmvMs&feature=related
9:47
ReplyDeleteSo, do we dismiss all wrong doings or just when it involves the Church leadership?
So, do we defend the Church, or do nothing?
So, do we tell the truth or do we pretend we don't know the difference?
So, please help me. I'm serious.
What are the rules for exposing the truth about agenda's that oppose the Church?
10:53 We are all being called to respond in different ways. Do what is in your heart, through prayer. Don't worry about what others will say or do, you alone will have to answer for your actions. Jesus warned that He came to divide-why are we surprised when his words come to pass?
ReplyDeleteAnon 9:47. That is a very good video, and I hope that all who read your blog watched it. Now I have a few questions for you. Is exposing wrongdoing the same as gossip?
ReplyDeleteWhen John the Baptist called his religious leaders a 'brood of vipers' was he being mean and insensitive? Was it a sin to accuse them in such a way?
The insults and accusations go both ways. Would you be willing to step up and publicly defend parishioners who have been maligned by parish staff?
Think about the opportunities and forum that leadership has. A captive audience at each weekend mass. The force and power of their position to spread rumors and accusations. The confidence that they are not answerable to parishioners for their words and actions.
I would say a forum in which parishioners are finally given a voice to speak out is a good thing. Lord knows they have been suppressed for years.
The majority of parishioners don't agree with teh direction of leadership and would prefer to have a priest as pastor. However, the parish has a leadership model that is not the right one for the Catholic Church. Is it the right thing to do to push that off to another unsuspecting parish? That is what happened with the priest scandal.
ReplyDelete645 You are on target. The Church is aware of their poor leaders. They stick them in places where they think they will blend in. (Kind of like the school district does when moving bad teachers from one building to another, at the expense of the students.) The Diocese knew full well that there were problems with the leadership style of our current leader before they tapped him to come here. His reputation precedes him. Faithful parishioners abandonded Guardian Angels. The difference could be that they were less vocal than we All Saints people have been and more willing to simply switch to another parish. There must be other positions where the Diocese could place our struggling leader. His gifts do not correspond to parish leadership and until the Diocese acknowledges this, expect conflict and division as he climbs the Diocesean ladder.
ReplyDeleteI visited this site because I heard there was some really nice praises for the FBI group, which my daughter belongs to and loves. But the post is more about the issues of the parish. Just to set things straight, the FBI is not connected with the parish, intentionally and if you read these blogs, you will see why! We have moved on with our kids but it feels like many of you are still in a difficult place. It was hard at first to leave but we are happier now. Reading some of these comments reaffirms our decision to make a new beginning.
ReplyDeleteIt would be great to have some input from some Guardian Angels parishioners to put this all into perspective. Anyone have a contact to get the ball rolling?
ReplyDeleteFor all we know some Guardian Angels folks may be writing on this blog. Word has gotten around the diocese that the blog exists. What new info could we get from them? Our situation is what it is and until the diocese leadership (Bishop and his cohorts) decide the members of a parish are to be listened to, regarding their needs then we have to live with their decision to keep moving inept leaders around. Yes, it is very similar to the priest scandal but but justice toward people does not supercede protection of men who by ordination think they are leaders.
ReplyDeleteI think we've "kicked the can" down the road for years now, not only in this parish and diocese, but throughout the American church (not to mention in our state and country, but that's another blog ;-)
ReplyDeleteWe've only postponed the inevitable, which has made the current fight nastier. Who are we? What kind of church are we going to be? What are our priorities? It used to be that our number one goal was to save souls - that's no longer the case. Take a look at the mission statements and actions of our parish and others.
If we keep looking away, walking away, or sitting silently in the pews, there will be very little left of the church. We've already lost a staggering number of churches and schools in this diocese. I agree with 11:51 that we're being called to respond in different ways. But please, do respond.
Amen, Susan, amen. We've been lukewarm for way too long. I, for one, am tired of the complacency. Let us burn with desire to preserve the tradition, the honor and the spirit of our Roman Catholic faith. Christ died for this faith-it is our obligation to fight for it.
ReplyDeleteFrom a proud, committed, converted Catholic.
I hope the collection is overflowing this weekend with all the "many" new pledges to increase sacrificial giving. Then, and finally, we can look forward to sitting down with those who desire to close our church for "financial reasons" to discuss how we will keep the church open.
ReplyDeleteWe'll soon see what the real agenda is...$ or otherwise.
I put my money on "otherwise".
The FBI is a great group of teens and they have done a lot of service to our area. I'm not sure why they are discussed on this website. The group of adults that are running this group do not even belong to our parish. There are also other groups of teens in our community that do good work but they belong to other churches so they are not mentioned on a website that is called Saving our Parish. FBI is a great group glad the teens enjoy it. It is a club like any other service organization that they may join through school.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me?! The group of adults that are running the FBI, for the most part, are people that at one time did belong to All Saints Parish. Many, if not most, of the youth also do or did belong to the parish. Many of these kids were part of the Church Youth Group when the McCaigs were in charge. Thank God for the McCaigs! These kids are doing a tremendous service for our community and the world! My son, has been able to continue to be part of a wonderful community of teens thanks to the FBI. I've had 4 children go throught the school district. They have some great groups in our public schools, but NOTHING like the FBI. Unfortunately, it seems like these kids were overlooked when it came to the Hands of Christ Award. It is a shame that the bishop has not been made aware of these wonderful teens!!
ReplyDeleteResponse to 5:06 You said it right they did belong to the parish. The group of teens are doing wonderful things, but many of them are no longer with our parish so they should be recognized in the parish that they are now attending. The diocese cannot very well award teens who belong to a group that is not affliated with the diocese even though they have done wonderful things. I'm sure the bishop has heard of this group, but it is not affliated in any way with the diocese.
ReplyDeleteit's all very frustrating for me, I want my kids to learn about our church but there is only so much time in a student's schedule. The FBI experience or classes through the parish? been struggling with it for months. No matter how good they are, and I'm sure they are, some feel torn at where to send their kids. Unfortunately the existence of these two groups is divisive even if by accident. Sorry, just my opinion, so let the attack begin if you wish.
ReplyDelete