Dear parishioners and friends in Christ,
As my term as pastor has been extended into the coming year, I nonetheless need to prepare for an orderly transfer to a successor. Presuming on reasonably good health and the wishes of the Bishop, I look forward to what promises to be another very busy and rewarding year of pastoral ministry here at St. Peter’s and at Our Lady of Fatima.
Last week’s pastor’s column in the bulletin explained my concern for the financial sustainability of both parishes. The time has come to begin strategic planning to “right - size” the administrative offices and human resource needs. This very likely will necessitate a reduction in office hours and consideration of retirements of staff.
I do not believe there will be any changes to the Mass schedule on weekends, provided that we continue to have the availability of the current number of my fellow priests. This also continues to be a very challenging situation, considering the shortage of priests and the very few new vocations in the seminary. All the more reason that we must rely upon volunteers to step forward and take responsibility for parish ministries, projects and activities. The decreasing number of Catholics in our area limits the number of volunteers. Fortunately, we have a consistent number of “veterans” who, year after year, assist as Outreach/Social Ministry volunteers, Religious Education catechists, and Liturgical ministers. But their ranks are slowly being depleted and are in serious need of additional members. This again points to the issue of sustainability as a Parish.
Beginning this fall, I will be inviting interested parishioners to form a consultative body (formerly known as the Parish Council) to participate in this strategic planning process for the benefit of my future successor and the continuation of our essential ministries in both parishes. More about this will follow in the weeks to come.
In the meantime, plans are underway for our Annual Parish Party at the North Hempstead Country Club, Friday, November 20th. If you have not already received one, invitations will be in the mail shortly. So, save the date for what promises to be another enjoyable evening of music, dancing and a delicious buffet dinner.
Have a great week and God bless you!
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Msgr. Bob Clerkin
Follow