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
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Coffee and donuts
Over at our website (savingourparish.com) we're about to begin weekly chats on our forum "Coffee and Donuts". What topics are you interested in discussing?
Please address the lay-off of Alene Goodman. She has nurtured my children in their faith formation. They, and so many, love her. There is no one currently on the staff who has positively impacted the parish more than her. Who made this decision?
I feel the same way. Can we get together as a parish and petition to have her position reinstated? Our entire family of 4 became members of the parish last year after going through the RCIA process. I can truly say that the only reason why we entered the Catholic faith and became members of this parish is because of Alene Goodman. We looked forward to our every encounter with her and to have her gone is very heart breaking. It is not the same Parish that we knew and grew to love without her in it.
I agree. Let's get her back. How? I heard this was not a financial decision but rather a personel issue. She has the best education and is most qualified. The new youth minister has been here only months and doesn't even have a college degree. It's not right and our kids are going to suffer.
What a loss with Alene. My experience with this parish tells me there is no chance of reconciling this injustice. We have contacted the Diocese with past concerns but have felt like we were ignored. I am a convert to the Catholic faith and can share that in any other church I belonged to, the opinion of the people mattered. I don't feel this way with All Saints.
Thanks everyone, for your comments. We will certainly consider the recent layoffs as a topic for the first chat. Keep checking the website and blog for date and time of the chat.
God bless and let's keep praying for Alene, Eleanor, and the current parish staff.
What my concern is why are the finances such a big secret? The only thing we have is in the bulletin..budget over/short! We have no idea where the money goes or what it is used for. A simple itemized list that would come out quarterly would be nice. If this is now a "business" instead of a parish then where is it all going? Why does it come down to waiting until the last minute to ask for help? Now two very talented people have lost their jobs and the parish is in turmoil!! How strange that at a meeting in june where most of the ministries were represented that this was not number one on the adgenda? Instead we sat in groups and brain-stormed how to make our parish more friendly? A few days later two people were fired because of financial reasons!!!
Thanks for your comments, anonymous. It is always good to have a full and independent accounting of finances for any institution. It inspires confidence, doesn't it?
We think prayers for our staff and congregants are in order. It is not easy being in charge of a 'sheepfold, and it's not easy being a person in the pews, either, especially when decisions are made that just wrench the heart.
Please address the issues of compromising Catholic traditions and doctrine. More and more certain clergy have adopted a theology at odds with the universal and timeless teaching authority of the Church. I wonder also why did we bring back Deacon Ray only to let two staff members go? Saint Gemma
Agree with above comment on finances. One pulpit announcement stating that Alene Goodman would be terminated due to financial shortage would have resulted in an outpouring of contributions to save her position. We have lost our most valued staff member and we had no voice. Sadly, this is the last straw for many.
Even more sad, most realize that Alene was not released for financial reasons, as there are others who are less qualified, less experienced and less productive in their ministries. As someone stated, Alene did not embrace the direction of parish leadership; eliminating her was the solution. Last straw for me as well. I will be joining in the exodus to Addison.
I am concerned that like a festering boil, many are bursting; spewing months and months of frustration. Please remain confidant in the words of our Lord, who promised to be with His Church until the end of time.
There definitely has been a disregard for differing views. This is what leads to apathy and lack of vitality. For those of us who chose to stay in the Parish, there remains a deep love for liturgy and the holy sacraments. Hopefully with the help of this blog their will be a quiet renewal of the church - a falling in love with the teaching, truths, and sacraments. That has to be our foremost focus! Why else have such a forum?
OK- I just found out about this site. I am so upset to hear about Alene. My kids would walk through a fire if she asked them to. We have been on vacation and I have to sit them down to tell them that she won't be with us in the fall. Somebody please explain what happened? Why her? Why do this to a church that is already struggling with empty pews?
Welcome and we're glad you're here. Many of us are upset about what happened to Alene. Your questions are pertinent. We hope to get them answered. God bless and stay tuned for our Thursday night chat...
Addison or St. Joseph's(or any of the other Catholic Churches) would be glad to have All Saints parishoners attend there. The Mass is contrite and to the point. The homilies are excellent and if you can imagine it, given by actual priests. It is a family atmosphere and you don't have to hide your children behind a glass window if they cry!
Please address the lay-off of Alene Goodman. She has nurtured my children in their faith formation. They, and so many, love her. There is no one currently on the staff who has positively impacted the parish more than her. Who made this decision?
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Can we get together as a parish and petition to have her position reinstated? Our entire family of 4 became members of the parish last year after going through the RCIA process. I can truly say that the only reason why we entered the Catholic faith and became members of this parish is because of Alene Goodman. We looked forward to our every encounter with her and to have her gone is very heart breaking. It is not the same Parish that we knew and grew to love without her in it.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Let's get her back. How? I heard this was not a financial decision but rather a personel issue. She has the best education and is most qualified. The new youth minister has been here only months and doesn't even have a college degree. It's not right and our kids are going to suffer.
ReplyDeleteWhat a loss with Alene. My experience with this parish tells me there is no chance of reconciling this injustice. We have contacted the Diocese with past concerns but have felt like we were ignored. I am a convert to the Catholic faith and can share that in any other church I belonged to, the opinion of the people mattered. I don't feel this way with All Saints.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone, for your comments. We will certainly consider the recent layoffs as a topic for the first chat. Keep checking the website and blog for date and time of the chat.
ReplyDeleteGod bless and let's keep praying for Alene, Eleanor, and the current parish staff.
What my concern is why are the finances such a big secret? The only thing we have is in the bulletin..budget over/short! We have no idea where the money goes or what it is used for. A simple itemized list that would come out quarterly would be nice. If this is now a "business" instead of a parish then where is it all going? Why does it come down to waiting until the last minute to ask for help? Now two very talented people have lost their jobs and the parish is in turmoil!! How strange that at a meeting in june where most of the ministries were represented that this was not number one on the adgenda? Instead we sat in groups and brain-stormed how to make our parish more friendly? A few days later two people were fired because of financial reasons!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, anonymous. It is always good to have a full and independent accounting of finances for any institution. It inspires confidence, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteWe think prayers for our staff and congregants are in order. It is not easy being in charge of a 'sheepfold, and it's not easy being a person in the pews, either, especially when decisions are made that just wrench the heart.
Your questions deserve answers.
God bless and keep praying--early and often.
Please address the issues of compromising Catholic traditions and doctrine. More and more certain clergy have adopted a theology at odds with the universal and timeless teaching authority of the Church. I wonder also why did we bring back Deacon Ray only to let two staff members go?
ReplyDeleteSaint Gemma
We're definitely going to have some whizzbang chats, St. Gemma!
ReplyDeleteOh, and in Deacon Ray's defense, I don't think he's receiving a salary. Perhaps someone on the parish staff can confirm that for us.
ReplyDeleteAgree with above comment on finances. One pulpit announcement stating that Alene Goodman would be terminated due to financial shortage would have resulted in an outpouring of contributions to save her position. We have lost our most valued staff member and we had no voice. Sadly, this is the last straw for many.
ReplyDeleteEven more sad, most realize that Alene was not released for financial reasons, as there are others who are less qualified, less experienced and less productive in their ministries. As someone stated, Alene did not embrace the direction of parish leadership; eliminating her was the solution. Last straw for me as well. I will be joining in the exodus to Addison.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteI am concerned that like a festering boil, many are bursting; spewing months and months of frustration. Please remain confidant in the words of our Lord, who promised to be with His Church until the end of time.
ReplyDeleteThere definitely has been a disregard for differing views. This is what leads to apathy and lack of vitality. For those of us who chose to stay in the Parish, there remains a deep love for liturgy and the holy sacraments. Hopefully with the help of this blog their will be a quiet renewal of the church - a falling in love with the teaching, truths, and sacraments. That has to be our foremost focus! Why else have such a forum?
ReplyDeleteI am Praying for everyone. Peace
ReplyDeleteAttention: I had to delete a couple of comments, which though they had good points, descended to name-calling. Honest criticism is welcomed.
ReplyDeletePlay nice, folks.
OK- I just found out about this site. I am so upset to hear about Alene. My kids would walk through a fire if she asked them to. We have been on vacation and I have to sit them down to tell them that she won't be with us in the fall. Somebody please explain what happened? Why her? Why do this to a church that is already struggling with empty pews?
ReplyDeleteWelcome and we're glad you're here. Many of us are upset about what happened to Alene. Your questions are pertinent. We hope to get them answered. God bless and stay tuned for our Thursday night chat...
ReplyDeleteAddison or St. Joseph's(or any of the other Catholic Churches) would be glad to have All Saints parishoners attend there. The Mass is contrite and to the point. The homilies are excellent and if you can imagine it, given by actual priests. It is a family atmosphere and you don't have to hide your children behind a glass window if they cry!
ReplyDelete