1. A Future Full of Hope
Parish Town Hall Meetings St. John of the Cross & SS. Robert & William
Wednesday, June 4, 2018

2. Opening Prayer
Almighty God, you are aware of our pastoral needs; assist us as we prepare for this time of transition for our parish. May we welcome our new experiences and opportunities in a spirit of mutual trust, common prayer, and genuine faith. May our pastoral staffs and leaders be prayerfully attentive to the needs of this parish community. May they seek prudent counsel, guidance, and advice in the spiritual and temporal care of our parish. We thank you for Fr. Sal’s leadership and wise counsel and ask your blessing upon him as the new pastor of Holy Angels. May Fr. Betters, Fr. Kowatch and Fr. Roth persevere as loving fathers, gentle shepherds and wise teachers, so that they may lead people to Christ, in whom we make our prayer this day. Amen.

3. A history in Euclid, Ohio
St. William Parish – 1947, St. Robert – 1950
Ss. Robert & William
St. Felicitas – 1952, St. Paul –1860
St. John of the Cross

4. A Changing Demographic
St. John of the Cross
2018 Households – 707
2018 Infant Baptisms 8
Ss. Robert & William
2018 Households – 1601
2018 Infant Baptisms - 52

5. A Changing Demographic
Euclid, Ohio
2000 – 2014 – 47,893
A decline of 9.2% in 4 years

6. Change is never Easy!
Reaction to Change is often Protectiveness and Fear
We may worry about the future, what may come
Makes us feel less in control

7. Some Positive Outcomes of Change
We let go of some things; allows us the freedom to look at things you may not have considered in the past
It brings about a sense of new life and energy into a situation
Moves us to new partnerships, opportunities
Helps us to learn and grow as persons and as communities
It helps us to recognize our uniqueness, our strengths, our gifts

8. What this new relationship is NOT:
Not a merger of two parishes into one!
Not the bringing together of financial resources
Not making one office/staff serving two parishes
Not the Big Parish vs. the Little Parish

9. What this new relationship IS:
Fr. John being asked by the Bishop to pastor two parishes with the assistance of two parochial vicars
Each parish remaining its own canonical and legal entity
Each parish continuing in it’s unique way of being parish
Each staff and parish volunteers (disciples) staying in place and continuing their ministry.
Continued partnerships between the two parishes:
School
Sacramental Prep (First Penance, First Communion, Confirmation & Marriage)
Advent/Lent Communal Penance Services
Lenten Mission

10. Why the Change?
Desire of the Diocese to maintain the presence of the parish communities in both parishes
To provide, as best we can, for the pastoral needs of the people in each community
Shortage of Clergy
– 596 active priests
– 250 active priests

11. Why, continued…
Currently 13 pastors are serving two parishes as pastor
“Thinking outside the box” – SRW/SJC is the first time using a “group” of priests to serve two parishes
Allows the Bishop to utilize each priest’s unique gifts and talents and not just “fill a spot” when making assignments

12. Understanding the “Why”
Recognition of rapidly changing demographics
Improving efficiencies where possible
Helping quality of Rectory Life – priests living together, not alone
Variety of preaching, ministry and personalities
Ability for all the parishes in Euclid to have a positive impact on the area

13. Moving Forward - Timelines
June 5 – Parish Town Hall Meetings
June 5 – Meeting with Both Staffs
June 12 – 2 Parochial Vicars arrive
Retreat Day for Parish Staffs in July
Parishioner Town Hall meeting with Fr. John
St. John of the Cross, July 30 at 6:30 pm
Ss. Robert & William, July 31 at 6:30 pm
August 15 – Eucharistic & Marian Procession from SRW to SJOC ends with joint Mass and Picnic at SJOC Shrine

14. Conversations & Considerations
Schedules –Sacraments, Holy Days, PSR, Parish Council & Finance Council, Organizational Meetings – especially when pastor is expected to attend
Shared Activities
Administration
Building and Grounds
Outreach
Community Participation

15. Where will the priests live?
Parishes are 2.3 miles apart
At this time all 3 priest will live at SRW.
Both parishes have a live answering service for after hour emergency calls.
All 3 priest have cell phones and .
Over the next 12 months, we will evaluate what location will serve the priests well to assure their health and well being.
No matter what both parishes will keep rectory/“priest suites”

16. Questions, Comments
What advice would you offer in moving through this process, what would be helpful to us as a community?
What are your concerns? Hopes?
What are your questions?