Dear Friends,
It has been just four months since the announcement of Bishop McClory’s decision to merge St. Joseph and St. Maria Goretti into one parish. I imagine that since the announcement, you have experienced a variety of very natural emotions: sadness, disappointment, disorientation, and possibly even anger. You may have also had conversations about the decision with family members, fellow parishioners, and other people in the area. In those conversations you may have asked some important questions or been asked questions about the merger process. While the bishop didn’t request any specific timeline, he provided me with general information on how the process will proceed.
One thing that the Bishop recommended was the formation of a committee made up of parishioners from both parishes who could advise me on developing and implementing a merger plan. I have asked Karen Ziolkowski, John Fry, and Deacon Gary Blue, who served as the St. Joseph Key Parish Leaders during the pastoral planning process, to serve on this committee and they have graciously agreed to do so. In addition, I asked Mark Gabrione, the chair of the Parish Pastoral Council, to be on the committee and he also agreed. From St. Maria Goretti, I have asked their Key Parish Leaders, Barb Swanson, Lori Chen, and Kevin Foy to be part of the committee, along with Tricia Massa, who is the Coordinator of Lifelong Faith Formation. They have all agreed to serve. I am very grateful to all eight members of the committee for their willingness to help our parishes navigate this process.
The committee had its first meeting in March and we have been meeting regularly ever since. We have discussed a variety of topics including the role of the committee, the initial reception of the Bishop’s decision, possible timelines for the coming together of our two parishes, ways of honoring and celebrating the legacy of faith at St. Joseph, and questions they have or had heard from fellow parishioners about the merger. Regarding the timeline for the process, we provide details in separate posts on the website.
We also discussed ways of receiving and answering questions from parishioners about the merger process. To that end, we want to share with you information about how you can pose questions to us about the process. Our hope is that by answering questions and providing accurate information, we can help you to make an informed decision about where you will worship, grow in your faith, and serve with fellow disciples going forward. And so, if you have a question about what will be happening and what you can expect as the merger process proceeds, you can use the link below to submit your question.
Some of you have already reached out asking some important questions. Thank you for doing so. In this and in the other pages in this section of the website, would like to share some answers with you at this time. One quetion that some have asked is what will happen with the various ministries, groups, and activities that are part of St. Joseph, such as the food pantry and outreach ministry, nursing home ministry and ministry to the homebound, Halo Ladies, Men’s Ministry, young adults, Knights of Columbus, and the weekly Eucharistic Holy Hour. These are important ministries, groups, and activities that have been a blessing to so many. I plan to work with the ministry leaders to ensure that they continue to be available to parishioners and others in the soon-to-be-formed new parish.
Another question that has been asked is what will happen to the assets of St. Joseph Church. Church law indicates that the monetary and property assets of a parish like St. Joseph belong to the parish, not to the diocese. That means that, once the two parishes merge, the assets will be combined for the use of the new parish. None of the money or property that currently belongs to St. Joseph will go to the coffers of the diocese. Of course, any money that the parish owes to the diocese or to vendors will also be assumed by the new parish. In the meantime, your continued financial support will ensure that we can continue to provide for the needs of St. Joseph and its ministries.
Regarding the buildings and real estate property of St. Joseph, the committee and I will need to work with the diocese to determine the long-term plans for them. I wish I had more information to share with you at this time about this important question, but it is too early in the process to have a clear sense of what will happen.
Finally, I ask you to keep all the parishioners at St. Joseph and St. Maria Goretti in your prayers as we navigate this journey of becoming one parish. During this time, we will all be making important decisions about how we will continue to follow the Lord in the path of discipleship. May St. Joseph, who knew what it means to have to leave home in obedience to the call of the Lord, pray for us.
Peace,
Father Leo Gajardo