Pastor's Pen - April 26, 2015

On Saturday, May 2, the parish leadership of St. Bruno and St.
Paul Parishes (Pastoral Councils, Finance Councils, and Pastoral
Staffs) will meet for a second time from 8:30  3:00 to continue the 
process of “strategic planning” for the transition happening in 2016 when there will be one priest shepherding both parishes. 
At our last allday gathering on March 7, ten different, major themes were raised for further reflection and discussion in individual groupings. Those “interparish” dialogues have
been going on throughout the month of April. Five of the groups (Faith Formation [except for ages 20-40], Human Concerns, Priest Effectiveness, Schools and Worship Experience) will report at the May 2nd gathering with more defined concepts as to what could best be done jointly across the two parishes.

Some of the concepts may reflect simple sharing, while others may suggest greater collaboration in serving both parishes and their communities. At this May 2nd meeting, the leadership of both parishes will determine which strategies from these initial five groups will move to the next phase of evaluating how they might be accomplished and possible timeframes. A communication plan is also part of this strategic planning to assure parishioners at both parishes will be well informed at regular intervals throughout the process. Many of you have already contributed through your participation in listening sessions in which you shared your thoughts and experiences. Thank you! 
All of these matters need the prayer support of our St. Paul and St. Bruno communities. St. Bruno and St. Paul Parishes are “many parts,” yet one Body of Christ. 
Fr. Ralph