The Cross of Change and Blessing of Transformation for all Crescent Parishes

St. Saviour parishioners know that we have several acres of grass as a part of the parish property. Decades ago, this grass was well-worn by children at our schools playing football, baseball, and
any number of playground games.  However, for just over two decades we have used the land only a couple of days a year for festival parking.
Otherwise, while it is beautiful, the land is costly to mow.  Normally, as pastor, I would never want to consider selling church property and bare land at that. However, Beacons of Light has changed my thinking. Let me say more.

Slow but Sure Growth
For parishes in developing areas, such as northern Cincinnati and south Dayton, having land is a blessing.  This allows for the building of new multipurpose buildings for use by increasing numbers of parishioners: growing young families with many school-age children. Our parishes are not these types of parishes. We don’t expect to experience exponential growth because of land development. However, I am going to work tirelessly for our growth, even if it is more measured. If we are all on board for that vision, it will happen!

We are Covered for Future Growth
Wonderfully, we already have the infrastructure to welcome slow and significant growth. For example, we have Nativity school and gym in our family of parishes.  As well, Xavier Jesuit Academy will be opening in a couple of years. We have numerous gathering spaces for smaller meetings and St. Saviour’s large undercroft is excellent for large gatherings like a Parish Feast! We havemore than ample space for great growth!

All Our Parishes Will Close
This is a good time to remind us that all five of our parishes will, in a sense, close as we become one parish in four years. As that happens, because we simply don’t need all the buildings and grounds we currently have, one or more of our parish plants will likely close partially or entirely…and still we will have ample facilities. St. Saviour’s vacant land might well be a part of that letting go of that which we don’t need. What follows is some important history.

St. Saviour’s Vacant Land
St. Saviour parishioners will also know that for twenty years we have been blessed with an awesome lease, Linden Grove School, a school that educates and forms children with autism. Experiencing great success in its mission, Linden Grove School continues to grow.  Further, some St. Saviour parishioners also know that for several years Linden Grove has expressed interest in purchasing some or all of St. Saviour’s vacant land.  Parish leaders (pastoral council, finance council, and staff) have been talking with them. Those talks are becoming more specific, even as an agreement is not imminent.

All Parishes a Part of Beacons Sacrifices and New Life
Truly, Beacons of Light will be touching all our parishes. May we continue to pray for each other, leaders and parishioners alike. May we rely on Jesus’ grace and the gifts and fruits of the Spirit to help us carry the crosses of future change. Ultimately, may we pray to grow in faith and trust in Jesus. For, even while changes might be significant, such evolutions allow for new life and vibrancy.

Crescent Parish Offices South
The move of COR office being united with Holy Trinity and then being designated as Crescent Parishes Office South is underway and will be complete by the end of July. Thanks to Deacon Bill, Eric Nienaber (who is ourtechnology lead at Nativity School and Crescent Parishes), David Staun, and the Robb Hill family who helped to prepare the office for more staff members. Thanks to Church of the Resurrection Plant Manager Howard Voner and his brother Alex who have been working for the past months to prepare the COR office for demolition and the move to Holy Trinity. At my encouragement, Fr. Dave took my Holy Trinity office, bumping me out of that spacious and central office, relegating me to a broom closet on the second floor. Easy come, easy go!

Fr. Dennis Moved and a Truck Will Due
I was as most proud of our Crescent Staff as they made short work of moving Fr. Dennis’s things to the Seasons, two Tuesdays ago. Not only was the move accomplished in record time, but staff members even unboxed books and knickknacks! Thanks to a wonderful staff!!  As I have been asking parishioners to give us a lead on a van to be bought or donated to the Bond Hill Food Pantry, I should be clear that a small pickup truck will also do nicely. Also, the help of a retired car salesman or mechanic to find a vehicle would also be a blessing!  Please call a parish office if Jesus might be calling you to help!

Sincerely and with Love in Christ,
Fr. Pat