Dear Parishioners and Friends,
We continue our planning for Collaboration Implementation as St. Malachi and St. Patrick enter into our new relationship as oratory and parish. As there will be many extensive tasks to complete throughout 2025, folks may begin to feel the realities of change. Our reactions and responses will vary as we all handle change in different ways. Some changes may foster enthusiasm while others may present challenge. Some of the changes may evoke no reaction or feeling as they won’t necessarily impact individuals.
Many of these changes will be based upon careful study and will include communal feedback as Leadership Teams implement the many recommendations offered by the Working Groups in June and the decisions of the Steering Committee in August.
Some of these changes include:
1. Alignment of Liturgy Schedules for weekends, weekdays, and holy days of obligation;
2. Celebration of other sacraments, including Marriage and Penance;
3. Coordination of calendar events between St. Malachi and St. Patrick;
4. Coordination of parish budgets, policies for preserving restricted funds, establishing administrative procedures, designing effective communications, etc.
5. Establishing a joint Parish Council, Finance Council, and other commissions and committees.
Most importantly, however, is continuing to establish a spirit of charity, trust, and unity as we discover ways to grow together. For each of us, this will require active listening and authentic engagement. And it requires a prayerful heart that is being prepared for these significant changes so that the mission of Jesus Christ remains strong, viable, and hopeful for all parishioners and members of our community. As
we move forward together, I ask for your continued prayerful and practical support as we implement these changes in 2025. In addition to the leadership teams that will assist us, I am grateful to all of you for your active participation and involvement in the life of our parish as we enter into this new chapter.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
Fr. Gurnick
