Weekend Wisdom - May 25-26th, 2024
A Note from Fr. Mike
Following the recent announcement of the parishes’ upcoming transition, I’ve taken time to receive feedback from parishioners, the parish pastoral councils, the finance councils, and the staff, and here are four common questions I’ve heard. - Fr. Mike, Pastor
Q: Why?
A: The driving force for this transition is to provide each parish with a pastor who is able to more fully focus on the distinct pastoral and spiritual needs of each community. This is also a benefit to our priests who will be able to maintain a better balance between the administrative and pastoral priorities.
In 2008 when our parishes linkage was effected, the diocese was operating under a former bishop and a different parish-planning model. Our diocese had not yet opened the door to international priests serving in our parishes. Our priest shortage has only grown and we have now welcomed the gift of international priests into our diocese with 32 currently serving in one-third of our parishes. This current model allows all priests to use their time more effectively while ministering to the people in their care
Beginning July 1st, 2024, Bishop Ricken has asked Fr. Mike to focus his time and attention at St. Mary, while Fr. Josuva will focus his time and attention at St. Francis Xavier. Both Fr. Mike and Fr. Josuva will spend a transitional year assessing and identifying the pastoral and spiritual priorities of each parish, which will result in a plan for implementation.
Q: What is going to happen with the Mass schedule at each church?
A: Upon his return from India in mid-June, Fr. Josuva will have his full-time office at St. Francis Xavier and will be regularly available to St. Francis Xavier parishioners. Fr. Mike will maintain his office and presence at St. Mary.
There will be two initial changes which will occur on July 1, 2024:
There will no longer be a Monday morning Mass offered at St. Francis Xavier.
Due to a change in the school Mass schedule for the coming year, the Thursday morning 8:30am Mass will revert to 7:30am.
Therefore, St. Francis Xavier will have daily Mass Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:30am and a Wednesday school Mass at 8:30am.
Q: What will happen to our shared staff?
A: We do not anticipate any measurable change to our current operational model. It is Bishop Ricken’s expectation that this collaborative staffing model will remain in effect. This model allows talented individuals in each area of ministry to serve more than one church and receive the best compensation and development. In addition, this is a model Bishop feels will best serve other areas of our diocese as it allows for the best use of the resources and qualified personnel available to parishes.
Our current staff has been built and formed on this collaborative model to serve our two parishes, with the knowledge that the need for adjustments may arise.
Q: Does this change where Fr. Josuva will live?
A: Fr. Josuva is welcome to remain in his current residence at St. Mary. If the leadership of St. Francis Xavier determines that it is desirable and feasible to provide a residence in proximity to the parish for their pastor they will have full diocesan support.