Between the Hearts with Fr. Craig
Now I feel I have made it full circle having been to both parishes weekend Masses. You all are very welcoming, and I know our parishes will be able to start a relationship with each other. Sometimes it is called a sister-parish where we are uniquely tied to each other. Please know that everyone is welcome to share in the blessings of each parish. Whether for Mass or some other event, consider both parishes your home.
If you have not already, please go to www.restructuring.aod.org and follow the prompts to complete the survey about the listening sessions. The archdiocese will never understand our parishes completely without your input and voice. I know you all are very passionate about your parishes, let that guide your answers. Decisions have not been made, there is time for change to happen, but if you don’t speak and share your feedback they will never know. If you have a hard time with computers, or if it feels like a lot to handle, just call the parish and we will submit that information with you while you are on the phone. Both Sacred Heart and St. Kateri need to have as much participation in this as possible as nothing is set in stone. Planning areas, Mass times, and the like can all change, so it is not enough to sit this one out. Please take the time and make your voice heard!
This one is heavy on my heart, but I know you know it is coming. We are going to have to make changes to the Mass schedule, confessions times, and when baptisms take place. This is part of sharing only one priest. It will be announced soon as we are making sure that all the bases are covered. The change will go into effect the Weekend of August 15th, which is the Feast of Our Lady’s Assumption. I have a very strong devotion to the Blessed Mother, and I truly am asking and praying for Her to guide this for the best possible outcome. Keep in mind, this is only for this current year, as next year the new pastorates will begin and everything will change again. I know, it is a lot to ask, but with the right attitude, it can make us all the stronger in faith. Maybe I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve, but it hurts me knowing that not everyone will be happy with the changes. However, I wanted to be here with you when it happens. Believe it or not, I had the option to let the archdiocese make the Mass changes before I arrived. And their recommendations were not as generous as what we are probably going to go with. I am happy to announce that both parishes will continue to have a Saturday Vigil Mass each week! The good priests at Divine Child have graciously said they would cover one each week, in which I will rotate from week to week. I think is necessary for you to have time with your pastor and this allows for this to happen. Certainly, this is some positive news for us to enjoy! Plus, we still have a month before all the changes take place. I am asking you for prayers, understanding, and patience with all these changes. Again, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and trust that all will be well. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and the prayers of St. Kateri hold us together in His love.
In Christ,
Fr. Craig
