**UPDATE** All Things New

I would like to inform you of an update in the pastoral planning process. Recently the All Things New planning committee gathered and after having reviewed the survey feedback from the second draft models, have created a new proposal for our parish that will be presented to Archbishop Rozanski and the Priest Council for the final period of required canonical consultation and discernment.

The new recommendation is that St Clare of Assisi Parish remains a stand-alone pastorate with its own pastor as well as St Alban Roe Parish as a stand-alone pastorate with its own pastor.

The rationale that I was given for maintaining separate pastorates included the size of the existing communities and that the two worship sites do not benefit from becoming one pastorate. I’d like to offer two reflections here to keep this in perspective:

1. Let’s avoid the temptation to say, “Well, then nothing is changing for us.” Instead, let’s look at it this way: This is a great opportunity to focus all of our attention on evangelizing and increasing our discipleship. We can certainly renew our efforts from the inside. We are 2100 families with over 5000 parishioners. On any given weekend we see about 1,500 people at Mass. All Things New is our opportunity to focus our energies on reaching out and inviting members of our parish and our neighborhood back to the Eucharistic Assembly. Additionally, we have a great opportunity to continue our outreach to new families who join the parish and the school.
2.  We still need to try New Things. We can still improve our Apostolates and Ministries. We’ll also have an opportunity to partner with neighboring parishes for other Apostolates and Ministries like Social Outreach, Faith Enrichment Programs, and yet unknown horizons. I don’t have all the answers yet, but look forward to working with you to continue making our parish and school strong and vibrant.