June 25, 2023

Dear Friends in Christ,

Thanks to all of you who participated in our recent “Synod Listening Sessions” which focus
ed on people’s thoughts about the “Partners in the Gospel” planning process. I was present at the June 11^th session to observe and listen to those in attendance. Here is a brief recap of what I heard.

There is a basic acceptance that change is coming, and that parish life will look different when St. Bridget’s joins a family of other parishes that will eventually become one faith community. What that looks like, and how it will operate, is largely unknown at this point, which is a source of anxiety for some. Many expressed the need for us to do a good job managing the change to make the transition as smooth and positive as possible. Including parish leadership in an open and transparent communication process will be key to the transition.

Some expressed the hope that the best elements of parish life at St. Bridget’s will continue and even grow in relationship with the other parish communities we will be joining. There may even be things we do better together like youth and young adult ministry, social outreach, and parish facilities management. Most everyone agreed that keeping our Catholic Schools strong and vibrant is important. So is an openness to a new sense of community which will require a willingness to move beyond cliques to form new relationships with people from other parishes.

The role of priests will be different when they are assigned to serve several parishes with equal care for them all. Lay staff and leadership with clear responsibility and authority will be essential in managing local operations so that priests can focus on the spiritual life of the overall community. A significant increase in parish volunteers in all ministries will also be key. The church is everyone witnessing the gospel of Jesus. Renewing and reinvigorating that is the hope of the Partners in the Gospel Plan, which will take time, prayer, and trusting in the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help create this new model of parish life.

Thanks to all those who led our recent listening sessions, which will resume in September. Please continue to follow the development of the Partners in the Gospel plan on the parish website and other communication media.

Blessings of peace,

Fr. William Heric, Pastor