Response is the Challenge

Dear Friends,

When Pope John XXIII called an ecumenical council in l961, he could hardly envision the changes and growth for the Church. Over the past 40 years Catholic Christians have struggled to put in place the models and visions of the council Fathers. The faithful have responded in countless ways to the call for involvement and to celebrating their baptismal promises. Here at St. Mary's that call was implemented by Fr. Lynch and Fr. Gilgun in their liturgical renewal which received nationwide recognition. Since those days priests, religious and laity have employed their gifts of time, treasure and talent for the building of a parish community that attempts to respond to the diverse needs of Catholics of modern times. Response is the challenge.

Over the years St. Mary's people have responded! Our generosity to those in need is unsurpassed in the Diocese of Worcester. Our community of faith has reached out to those in need through the Bishop's Fund, the recent Forward in Faith Campaign as well as the myriad appeals received each day in the mail. Our call to teach and educate is evidenced in our Religious Education programs for young and old as well as our commitment to a Catholic School. The educational mission of the Church is wonderfully evidenced in the options provided for the 2800 families that make up our parish.

The role of the laity was so pronounced in the documents of Vatican II. You have heard the reflections and the invitation over the years from the pulpit, the weekly bulletin, pastor's letters and our Parish and School websites. Here at St. Mary's the Parish Council has put much effort into their own renewal. Using a format outlined in a book entitled "REVISIONING THE PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL" our members have worked countless hours. A new set of bylaws have been written and the structure is now composed of elected members which comprise the Pastoral Council and delegates from the parish committees and boards which comprise a Council of Ministries. The groups usually meet together but can meet separately to discuss various aspects of issues.

The first project of the Pastoral Council was the recent Parish Survey. The results were computerized and compiled into the FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ST. MARY'S PARISH. This plan was presented on June 13th at a special "Parish Town Meeting" to which everyone was invited. Copies have been made available at the Pastoral Center. Although the numbers were not great, the variety of ideas and opinions reflected a wide spectrum of the parish. Now it is our challenge to move forward asking God and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to guide us on our pilgrim journey together.

Our PARISH APPRECIATION DINNER on June 11th brought together over 200 parishioners who fulfill ministries here at St. Mary's. It was a gala evening during which people shared their visions and experiences in our community of faith. I am so grateful. God bless you all.

FATHER PAUL