By: Fr. John Jasica
SHIFTING FROM MAINTENANCE TO MISSION
Over the last three years the Pastoral Council, Finance Committee, Family staff and the parishioners of our family of parishes have worked together to form and activate a plan that moves us from maintenance to mission. This transition is required as we face declining attendance, volunteers, financial resources and aging buildings. We can no longer simply open our doors and expect people to just come in. Our mission to form disciples who reach out to all has to embrace a new strategy with a new vigor. This change is difficult but necessary for us to hand down the faith to future generations while trying to transform our modern culture and society.
There are three important documents that describe our ongoing shift as the Chatham Catholic Family of Parishes (please read them at our website or pick up copies found at all our churches):
APOSTLES FOR A NEW ERA
This document reflects on the call to be missionaries from the Gospels, Church teaching and Bishop Fabbro’s vision for the Diocese of London. This document also describes the current status of our family of parishes and Canadian society along with naming the many challenges we face moving forward. This document also offers us our IGNITE THE MISSION pastoral plan to move from maintenance to mission.
FEEDBACK FORMS GENERAL SUMMARY – JUNE 2023
Through March and April 2023 we had a number of “sharing sessions” and opportunities for all the faithful to respond to the pastoral plan and offer insights as we move forward via “feedback forms”. In June 2023, we compiled a report summarizing the feedback. All the responses were extremely helpful.
ACTION PLAN
Taking into account the call to mission, our current situation and the consultation/feedback from parishioners—we put things together a tangible and detailed action plan to move forward. Our Action Plan document was published on April 28, 2024. This helps keep us on track and offers a road map to move forward together.
THE PROCESS FOR CLOSURE WILL CONTINUE
On Monday July 22, 2024, the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee met to reflect on our pastoral plan and review the second quarter financial results for our family of parishes. The major topic of discussion regarded the status and future of St. Agnes Parish. With heavy and reluctant hearts, there was unanimous support to continue the closure and suppression of St. Agnes Parish primarily due to the lack of financial resources ($33,100 at the end of June 2024).
As you may recall, the Pastoral Council and Finance Committee with my support, paused the closure process with Bishop Fabbro and the diocese for St. Agnes Parish in February 2024 because there were signs of financial growth. Unfortunately this has not continued enough to create stability for St. Agnes Parish. We are now continuing the diocesan process.
CONVERSATIONS IN THE SPIRIT
Following the joint meeting on July 22nd I notified Bishop Fabbro and diocesan leadership that we would continue the process for the closure of St. Agnes Church and the suppression of the parish. The Diocese of London has a policy regarding this and can be found on their website. (www.dol.ca)
A major component of the process is to facilitate conversations with the parishioners of St. Agnes Parish and the family of parishes as a whole moving forward. We have two important gatherings planned that will be facilitated by Linda Staudt, former Director of Education for the London District Catholic School Board and a voting member for the Synod in Rome once again this October. Joe Bezzina, Director of Pastoral Services and Fr. Christopher Pietraszko, Episcopal Vicar for Kent will also be in attendance.
More information will be shared in the coming weeks. All parishioners of our family of parishes are welcome to the following gatherings so that we can prayerfully move forward—lead by the Holy Spirit.
A CONVERSATION IN THE SPIRIT—MEETING #1
Sunday September 15, 2024 — 2:00 to 4:00 PM
St. Agnes Parish Hall
Agenda: Where are we right now as a family?
What is our plan moving forward?
What have we heard that is important?
Conversation in the Spirit Process
Key Question for Prayerful Conversation:
What do we need to embrace, preserve and bring forward from the St. Agnes Parish community?
A CONVERSATION IN THE SPIRIT—MEETING #2
Sunday September 22, 2024 — 2:00 to 4:00 PM
St. Agnes Parish Hall
Agenda: Share feedback from September 15th
Supporting the Transition
Next Steps
Key Question for Prayerful Conversation:
Currently—what stands out for you as a priority: where do we dedicate our efforts and resources moving forward?
