By: Fr. John Jasica

SOME FURTHER REFLECTIONS

I would like to thank all those who attended the special gathering on Thursday August 15th and those who stayed after the 11 AM Mass on Sunday August 18th to see the presentation, offer comments and ask questions. I also want to thank all those who have emailed me questions, concerns and gratitude for the honest and transparent communication. None of this is easy for anyone but together, trusting in the Holy Spirit, we seek to always be faithful disciples sharing the joy of the Gospel in everything we do.

SOME FURTHER INFORMATION & COMMENTS

I would like to highlight some information and comments that were shared in the presentations last week that we should be mindful of:

The entire process for closure will take time and is not imminent or immediate. We are aiming for a final celebration for early January 2025.
All ministries, programs and outreach currently at St. Agnes will continue within the family of parishes. Fr. John is already scheduling meetings with the various groups in order to address particular concerns and assisting in the transition.
Resources and finances from St. Agnes remains for the pastoral care of the faithful and our family of parishes. Consultation with the people of St. Agnes will take place in the coming months drafting a plan that will be presented to Bishop Fabbro for final approval.
Parish offices will eventually move from St. Agnes to St. Ursula and Our Lady of Victory (Fr. Innocent & Fr. Slawek will have offices there) until the Spirit & Life Centre renovations take place.
We will ensure the legacy and presence of St. Agnes continues past the closure of the parish. We as a family of parishes will work together to support one another in the mission of forming disciples who reach out to all.

WHAT DO WE DO RIGHT NOW?

We all need to pray together as a family of parishes listening to the Holy Spirit. Trusting in God’s grace we will follow the path of discipleship together proclaiming the Good News.
We need to talk and share with one another our thoughts, feelings and concerns. We need to listen to each other. Please feel free to email or call Fr. John or other staff members.
Continue to stay involved and support St. Agnes if you can as we need to maintain ministries and the building itself as we move forward.
Prepare for the September meetings (see details below & further information to follow) and other gatherings as we move forward in the process.
Reflect on our mission to form disciples who reach out to all—this always involves different forms of sacrifices as we work together.
Please take time to read over the following documents that will help us be mindful of our journey as a family of parishes:

– APOSTLES FOR A NEW ERA

– FEEDBACK FORMS GENERAL SUMMARY

– ACTION PLAN

CONVERSATIONS IN THE SPIRIT

A major component of the journey ahead is to facilitate conversations with the parishioners of St. Agnes Parish and the family of parishes as a whole. 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 encouraged to attend 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