-
from Fr. Gary's homily of January 22, 2017
[ . . . ]
Let’s take a look at our new Parish Mission statement, Ignite Faith and Witness God’s love. See how these simple words call us to live our faith with a sense of Mission? In 2016 we began Christ Renews His Parish at St. Louise which is the main way our parish will ignite the faith of our parishioners. I strongly encourage all to attend a weekend. CRHP will help our parish to be stronger as missionary disciples.
Now I would like to talk about the reorganization of our parish. During our two-year process of prayer, reflection and discussion, Mary Beth Celio, who designed our parish survey that many of you completed, said to me, “Your parish has an untapped resource of talented people who are ready to serve.” The reorganization of our staff and parish leadership is meant to raise up the gifts and participation of the parishioners. The goal is to move from maintenance to mission. Now, I would like to show what I mean. The parish leadership and ministries will flow from four commissions: Worship, Community Life, School and Evangelization. The chairs and vice-chairs of each commission will serve on the Pastoral Council. These commissions will meet the Wednesday before the Pastoral Council meeting so that we can move ahead on important new initiatives in a more efficient way. The staff will be structured to reflect this new organization of parish leadership. My bulletin column and the bulletin insert explain the reorganization more in detail. One of the pillars of our Strategic Plan is to hire the appropriate number of staff for our parish. Our goal to hire three new staff members with the focus to give stronger support to the ministries of our parishioners.
There are three areas that I need your help as we move forward. First is your promise of daily prayer for our parish. Second, I need your participation. If everyone makes a commitment to serve, we will be stronger in living our mission. Finally, I need the strong commitment of financial resources. The good news is that we already have the money we need. The bad news is that it is still in your pocket. If you haven’t made your pledge for Sacrificial Giving to the parish yet, please do so today. With all hands on deck and with God’s grace our parish move forward as true missionary disciples. It truly is my honor and joy to lead you on that journey.