Fr. Dan Tracy
This past Thursday, October 8th, was my 100th day serving our Four Parishes One Faith family. As I wrote about in my first bulletin reflection in July, my primary pastoral priority in the first 100 days was to listen and learn. I feel that in these first three months I have been able to hear from many individuals and groups within our parishes, but I hope that you all will continue to share your experiences and dreams for our communities as we bring Christ beyond the walls of our churches.
Here are four initial reflections that I can share on my experience as we begin to discern some priorities for the future.
First, I have found consolation and encouragement in the celebration of the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass at St. Joseph. I can say with great confidence that it is the Sunday liturgy in our entire Diocese which most clearly implements the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. Credit is due to our previous priests but also to Andre Audette and our liturgical volunteers who have prioritized formation, reverence, and hospitality in recent years. I look forward to extending this culture of faithful and reverent liturgies in all four parishes into the future.
Second, I have become aware of our need to address necessary facility improvements while also engaging in substantial long-term planning. This is especially relevant at Holy Trinity. Our parish and school spaces are homes for prayer, education, community, and service. With sacrificial generosity and wise planning, we can ensure that generations to come may continue to encounter the Lord Jesus and be sent forth as missionary disciples into our communities.
Third, I have felt supported and inspired by the joyful presence of our parish and school staff. Working in the Catholic Church entails several particular sacrifices and challenges. We should all be encouraged by the devotion that our staff members have made, especially amid several changes in leadership. Also, I appreciate the desire that our staff has for the unity of our four parishes while also celebrating the diversity of what makes each one of our parishes unique.
Finally, I recognize a challenge that we all have to go forth and encounter the vulnerable and neglected in our communities. When people ask about Catholic parishes nowadays, they often firstly seem curious as to whether or not the parish has young families. Young families are a great sign of hope for the Church, but in addition to supporting marriage and the family, Catholic parishioners are called beyond their comfort zone and to the peripheries of society. This includes but is not limited to Eucharistic missionaries to the homebound, accompaniment of the poor, immigrants, and those with grave suffering, and providing care and counseling for those with mental illness.
Our Lord is kind and merciful. Each one of us is called to extend that kindness and mercy when we meet Him daily on the streets, in the nursing home, or in a moment of need.
So, let’s begin.