All Things New— Update
The new model for the entire Archdiocese has been published. Nothing is set in stone, yet, but we are closer to the end than we were three weeks ago. As Fr. Gene mentioned last Sunday, all but two of the fifteen Planning Area models were altered after considering feedback from the parishes. Thus ends the rumor that the Archdiocese knew what it was going to do from the very beginning. There are a lot of changes. In the new model 52% of the parishes will merge with their neighbors. 48% of the parishes will remain as they are (theoretically – more on that later).
Holy Redeemer is a part of the 48%.
This is great news, but there is a sobering aspect of it. It shows that our parish is both dynamic and forward-thinking. We have a strong school, are doing well financially (more on that later) and have shown a compassionate outreach to the poor (Vincent de Paul Society), the grieving (Stephen Ministry) and the global church (the Haiti committee). The downside is that we are not gaining any territory (more on that later).
The “Mores on that Later”
- Just because our parish is a “stand-alone” parish does not mean that we can go back to business as usual. All of us need to be committed to evangelization, which simply put is outreach to others, sharing the good news especially with your example. There is much to be done: for our youth, the future of the church, for our elderly, as they enter the next phase of their faith journeys, and for our neighbors, seeking the consolation, support and hope of God in their
- Financially, though we were blessed with a generous bequest by Marcia Carrigan, a bequest that made the Archdiocese’s decision to keep us as a parish much easier, we still need to carry our own weight, we still need to do our part. I don’t talk much about money and contributions, but as you can notice in the bulletin week after week, our collections have been down since the pandemic. We are raising our school tuition this year in order to get our teachers to a more equitable salary level. And hopefully we will reinstate our parish auction and other fundraisers to help with the upkeep and growth of our parish. One immediate need: I need someone from our parish to spearhead our ACA Campaign. For many years, Mary Smith was in charge and she did an excellent job. I thank her for her many years of service. Mary has stepped down from this position and we are looking for someone to take this vital task over. I was a little cautious about asking anyone until the dust settled from All Things New, but now that we have a clearer understanding, I would like someone to step up so Holy Redeemer can do its part. Talk to me, if you’re interested. Don’t hang up if I call!
- Even though we are not gaining any territory in the new plan, I am optimistic about growth for our parish. Here’s why. If you look at a dot map of our parish a rather large portion (44%) of our parishioners live outside of the boundaries of Holy Redeemer. I interpret that as meaning that our church is a bit of a “destination” church, one that draws people from all over. What is the draw? When I got back from Houston, I had a letter in the mail from a visitor to our parish. This person was very complimentary of both myself and Fr. Gene as leader-presiders. But the most moving part of the letter was what the letter writer said about the good people of Holy Redeemer. I quote:
I noticed people helping each other when needed. I noticed a younger man help a man with some physical challenges freely, willingly and without being asked. I noticed an older grandmother type give a mom a break from a few pews away when her baby just wouldn’t calm. I noticed small chil- dren wave to each other from opposite sides of the church and the caretakers who allowed it. I watched and was relieved to finally see what I truly believe God expects of a true church family.
…Holy Redeemer is different from the rest. Please don’t ever let that be lost on you. Outsiders like me are noticing. Outsiders like me keep coming back. You are doing great work for God and His Church. Thank you for being different
from the rest. Thank you for modeling Christ and for welcoming outsiders. Thank you for offering healing to those who have experienced religious trauma. Thank you for having open doors. What you and your Parish are doing truly matters.
That’s why I believe Holy will thrive well into the future.
Father Kevin