If 10 people were determined to get 10 signatures a day for the next 10 days, that would add up to 1,000 signatures.
If you would like to help with the petition, email admin@savingourparish.com for a pdf copy. When it's ready to be turned in, email us back and we'll arrange to come pick it up.
Every. Signature. Counts.
I am curious to know if Deacon Dean has been officially invited to attend the meeting on Sunday. If not, I believe you should extend a personal invitation. It is critical that he hears what the parishioners are saying. As much as many would like to take him out if the process, we need his support.
ReplyDeleteChris, He has been invited, but declined.
ReplyDeleteI think that all council members should also be invited.
ReplyDeleteDeclined? On what grounds? Why wouldn't he want to be informed of the parishioners concerns?
ReplyDeleteWhat are you going to do with all of the signatures? My feeling is that neither Dean or the committee members will care. If they cared, they would have invited us to be part of the decision makers. From what little I know- nobody from Rochester will be influenced by the signatures. Something that has been done in the past for other causes is to publish the lists in the Leader.
ReplyDeleteThe council members that we have been able to identify have been invited--the committee chairs and all of the finance council. They have, however, been instructed not to attend.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have a list of the facilities committee members. If you know any of them, or those on the pastoral council, please invite them personally. Hopefully, some may come.
Chris, you might want to ask Deacon Dean why he declined. His contact information is in the church bulletin.
The signatures will be sent to the DOR and to Providence House.
Did you try to get a list of the facilities committee members? Please don't tell me that this is a confidential list- I will blow a gasket.
ReplyDeleteTeresa of Avila, What do you mean by the statement " The Council members that we have been able to identify"?
ReplyDeleteChris, I want to disclaim that i have NO, repeat NO, first hand knowledge of this, but it is my understanding that Dean did attend such a large group meeting some time back regarding another significant parish controversy, and it did not go well at all. Certainly there are those here who can speak to this more knowledgeably, but at the risk of being pillaged here as an apologist for the parish administration I ask in all good reason, given the tenor of the comments on this blog, while understanding their heartfelt origins, should we really expect him to attend?
ReplyDeleteBill- The only large group meeting that I attended which wasn't favorable for Dean was a Youth Ministry meeting that HE organized to present his new vision of Youth Ministry. It backfired when parents began to openly share theirs. However, he needs to behave like the leader he professes to be. He needs to be present, even when the environment is uncomfortable. Doing otherwise, sends a message that he doesn't care and that he is a coward.
ReplyDeleteLet's try to stay positive during this time of stress. We need to work together as a parish in order to save it. We can't be ignored forever and the pressure needs to increase. The September 12th meeting is important for ALL to attend!! It will not be a bashing session but rather an informative one where hopefully we can all come together and save our parish.
ReplyDeleteYou're right Amy. My bad. I'm just a little fired up after learning that Dean declined to attend the meeting. This was a great opportunity for him to minister by his presense to the concerns of parishioners.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Chris. He does need to make this meeting on sunday. Even if he just hangs out and listens to what everyone has to say that would be a step forward in healing this precious parish. Please Deacon Dean if you are reading any of this please come and sit in on our meeting. What can it hurt to hear what people who love our parish as much as you do have to say? Thank you and God Bless!
ReplyDeleteTo Bill @ above comment: Yes. We should expect Deacon Dean to attend. He was assigned to this parish to SERVE. His presence would serve to provide an amount of respect and acknowledgement that many parishioners feel is lacking. As Amy suggested, the very least he should do is come, listen, take notes and share information with parish staff, council members, facilities committee and any others who chose not a attend.
ReplyDeleteChris,
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe that is the meeting I had heard about. Maybe his attending would reflect courage on his part, but as a practical matter it would also consume the meeting, probably at the expense of other good ideas and suggestions. As I understand it the focus of this meeting is to be constructive. I think Dean being there would make that improbable.
Ann,
ReplyDeleteI understand your sentiment. As I responded to Chris above, I think Dean being there would make the calm, deliberative, informative and ultimately constructive picture you paint for the meeting unlikely. Wish it were otherwise.
Good points on all sides.
ReplyDeleteChris, we don't have the names of everyone. It isn't from lack of trying.
I agree with Bill that the meeting would not be comfortable for Deacon Dean.
The frustration level is high, but I know the moderator will keep things positive and respectful.
FYI to everyone: If you go to the Facilities Plan Meetings at ASA one of the slides lists all the members on each council.
ReplyDeleteWho is the moderator? I heard Mike McDonald and he would be great, as he has done some moderating with the parish. I agree that Dean should attend. I don't think his presense will make anyone uncomfortable other than himself. I think parishioners are looking forward to the opportunity to offer solutions to problems in the parish and finally have a voice. And I do think that if Dean were to come, people would be charitable. He might not like what parishioners are saying but I believe most will speak kindly.
ReplyDeleteCarol,
ReplyDeleteMike has just let us know that he won't be able to moderate the meeting on Sunday. We're working on a replacement.
I agree that most people would speak kindly at the meeting.
My children all attended catholic grade and high school so I am for Catholic education but...at this point in our parish I think we first need to find a way to save the parish and then work on saving ASA that will probably close in June anyway...
ReplyDeletePlease go to St Mary Our Mother Horseheads website: read this weeks bulletin article on ANNUAL PARISH MEETING..in accordance with the laws of NYS..do we have such a meeting????
ReplyDelete