Dear Friends:
At the meetings which took place in each parish this week, it was suggested that I send the enclosed copy of the proposed planning process to everyone in both parishes. As you can see in this proposal, I am suggesting that we set up a Pastoral Planning Committee which will be made up of three people from each parish. This committee will work closely with me in preparing the short term and long term plan that will best serve the pastoral needs of both parishes.
I invite you to prayerfully consider nominating three people from your parish who you believe are the most capable parishioners to best represent the needs of your parish on the Pastoral Planning Committee. You may also nominate yourself. Please return the blue nomination forms to Father Tom or myself by no later than Sunday, June 11.
The members of the Pastoral Planning Committee will be assisted in the work of this process by seven committees representing seven essential aspects of parish life. At the back of each church, there is a brochure available which describes the work that each committee will be needed to do. Kindly pick up a copy of this brochure next time you are at Mass. As you read through the brochure, please consider working on a committee (or two if you really feel ambitious!). Perhaps you may want to nominate other parishioners you think would be good for the work of any of seven committees. The yellow sign up sheets should be returned to the parish priest by no later than Sunday, June 11.
My hope is to have the Pastoral Planning Committee and the seven standing committees all in place before school get out for the summer and people begin to leave for vacations. My goal is to receive as much input from as many people as possible throughout this entire process. What you have to say is important and I ask that you feel free to express yourself to me or to any of the committee members in person or in writing at any time. The names of those who will be on the committees will be sent to all parishioners by end of June.
It was also suggested at the parish meetings that I schedule one more general meeting before the committees are appointed to speak about the proposed process again and to afford people the opportunity to ask additional questions and to offer suggestions. This meeting will take place on Sunday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. in Deacon Hall at Saint Theresa’s Church.
All information with regard to the planning process as it begins to unfold will be regularly posted on the web sites of each parish. (www.st-theresas.org and www.stfrancisbolton.org )
I announced at the meeting that Bishop McManus will appoint me to be pastor (not administrator) of both parishes beginning July 1. The Bishop has also been able to get me a priest who will be able to help with our weekend Masses for 6 months to a year beginning August 15. At the end of this period of time, I will be the only priest available to celebrate the Eucharist for both parishes. It is important that we keep this reality in mind as we begin our future planning.
As I prepare to become pastor of both of these wonderful parishes, I want you to know how much I am looking forward to working with all of you in planning our future together. Let us pray for each other during this time of transition that everything we do as God’s chosen people will enhance our life together, strengthen our faith and deepen our love for God and each other. May the Holy Spirit guide all our endeavors to build together a “future full of hope.”
Sincerely,
Father Dennis
Father Dennis O’Brien
May 25, 2006
Agenda for Parish Meetings
Saint Francis Xavier & Saint Theresa, the Little Flower
May 22 and May 24, 2006
v Opening Prayer
v Overview of the Clustering Process in the Diocese of Worcester
v Challenge before us as of July 1 – One Priest for two parishes
Weekend Help – Temporary – six months to a year at most
Weekend Mass Schedule for the Summer (July & August)
Saint Francis 4:30 p.m., 9:00 a.m.
Saint Theresa 4:30 p.m., 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.
Weekday Masses
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00 a.m.
v Collaboration
Religious Education
RCIA
Ministries
Lenten programs
Adult Education
v Pastoral Planning Process Proposal
v Standing Committees
v Pastoral Council
v Questions & Discussion
Facts
Saint Francis Xavier Parish 250 families
Saint Theresa’s Parish 467 families
Web Site: www.st-theresas.org
All information will be posted here throughout the planning process. Please consult.
Saint Francis Xavier Parish and Saint Theresa, The Little Flower Parish
Objective
The objective of the Pastoral Planning Committee is to successfully plan, receive approval and implement short and long term plans that address the needs of Saint Francis Xavier and Saint Theresa parishes in sharing one priest between both parishes. Both parishes have strong traditions and a very strong sense of community. Any final plan will need to address the problem encountered in both parishes by the lack of young men pursuing priestly vocations, address the needs of the diocese and, most importantly, preserve the strong sense of Christian community existing in each parish. The approach must be one that encourages full participation by the parishioners of each parish. Indeed, the process and the proposed plan must embody the desired end result: a strong, vibrant Christian community, where the values of the Gospel are proclaimed and our Catholic faith tradition is celebrated.
It is recognized that it will take time and effort to develop a long range plan that will address the long term pastoral needs of the people of Bolton and Harvard. All involved must accept from the beginning that any final plan will need to be approved by the parishioners acting as one community. The work in developing the final plan will best be performed by the Pastoral Planning Committee comprised of an equal number of people from both parishes. This committee will be supported and strengthened by the work that will be done by seven standing committees made up of parishioners from both parishes.
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