We are working on two projects at this time and I am inviting others to join in if you feel so called. Due to the covid-19 pandemic we are postponing our parish Synod that we were planning for this fall. Since that is on hold, Deacon Tom Tierney and I are going to team teach Justfaith. It certainly fits into where we are in our country right now addressing the issue of what I call “Black Safety Matters.” Yes, “Black lives Matter” and how do the many of us who are privileged due to the color of our skin help to create an atmosphere where people are judged, not by the color of their skin, but as MLK has dreamed, all are judged by the “content of their character.”
In order to begin Justfaith (check out their website) we need 12 participants. I am happy to say we have more then 12 interested in the journey. There is always room for more. Anyone who is High school age and older is welcome to join. When I have the list of participants, we will focus on a time to “gather” physically if we can or “Zoom” together and Journey to Compassion, Justice and Peace. E-mail me or call the parish office if you are interested.
The second project is assisting Fr. Carl Chudy who is interviewing those who are disaffiliated from the Catholic church. There are two categories for interviews. The first is parents or grandparents who are mourning the loss of children/grandchildren who are no longer practicing our Catholic faith. If you would like to share your story, let me know and I will put you in touch with Fr. Carl. The second category is those who are 18-35 years old who no longer practice their Catholic faith. This is where we need you to provide names of those we can contact since they will not be reading this letter. Can you help us out? The results of his research will certainly assist us in our future parish Synod so that we will know how reach out to those who are disaffiliated.
As we finish First Communions this weekend we are trying to “read the signs of the times” and prepare for Faith Formation in the fall. Flexibility is now a virtue!
Fr. Bill