Town Halls

I must admit, when some members of the leadership team suggested we have town hall meetings, I was less than keen on the idea.  I have never experienced a town hall related to church.  Rather, to me the image of civic or school gatherings comes to mind, where unhappy citizens or parents share their displeasure with leaders, perhaps with a measure of anger thrown in the pot.  Since hunting season falls around this time, I started referring to them as “open season.” 

Even as there were a few justified uncomfortable feelings shared, by far the town halls were wonderful opportunities.  We took time to review the purpose of Beacons of Light, which is to become one parish that is more dynamic in every way, better centered on being joyful and vibrant missionary disciples of Jesus.   We were reminded of good news of the great successes that Crescent Parishes have had with Beacons of Light. We looked off into the future.  Best of all, we heard lots of outstanding observations, questions and hopes from parishioners.  A summary report of the town halls will be forthcoming.

Very Embarrassed
Hats off to parish staff and leaders on the Pathways Planning Team and Pastoral Councils.  I want to especially thank Bill Lennard, who is on the Crescent Parishes Leadership Team, for sharing his gifts of strategic planning from the corporate world.  Bill led hours of pre-planning and attended all of the eight town halls to make sure things went well.  I am very embarrassed that I failed to introduce him at several of the town halls.   Thanks so much, Bill!!  Bill will also be leading this year’s Beacons of Light primary goal, creating a defined vision for our parishes.

Holy Trinity Rectory/South Office Roof
My apologies to Holy Trinity Parish for making a mistake.  I failed to think wisely about the rectory/office roof.  After spending money to fix an active leak months ago, too hasty an appeal was made to pay for a new roof.  I should not have allowed an appeal to be made.  There are a number of reasons why this was not wise.
1. There are no current consistent leaks in the roof. We don’t need a new roof.
2. While it is true that another leak could begin at any time, it is also true that we could go years without another.  Repairing another leak might be possible.  Therefore, having a new roof is not urgent.
3. The Church roof is older than the rectory roof.  Even though I have been assured that the Church roof is of much better quality, visual inspection of the exterior of the roof and interior of the church does not support such a claim.  Perhaps money could be spent to remove more leaking watermarks in the Church.
There were three generous donors to the new roof fund and about $1,000 in cash donated.  I will contact those donors to talk about the above and wonder with them about my response.  One option is to give back the donations, which I have done as pastor at a previous assignment.
Thanks to those who donated to the cause!!  Your generosity is inspiring and heartening!

Preparing for Advent
On this first Sunday of Advent, please read the following article by one of our newer staff members, Cari Craver, about preparing for Christ this Advent.
 
Sincerely and with Love in Christ,
Fr. Pat

Preparing for Christ this Advent
By Cari Craver,
Administrative Assistant, OCIA, & Life Long Faith Formation
 
Christmas decorations have taken over the stores and our calendars are quickly filling up with commitments and celebrations.  It is easy to get caught up in the excitement and miss the opportunity to prepare our hearts to meet Christ.

Advent is a time of joyous preparation, waiting with Our Lady for Christ’s coming. We wait with Hope that He will not only enter Mary’s life, but ours as well.  We wait in Faith for Christ to come into a situation that we can’t fix, but we know He can.  Making room for Him in our lives, waiting to feel the Joy that comes from knowing that He is our Savior and the Peace of knowing that we are His sheep; that He will tend to us and care for us.

This Advent, we invite you to prepare for Christ’s coming, not only in celebration of His birth, but in preparation for His second coming when we will meet Him face to face.   Here are a few suggestions:
· Prayer and Reflection – see page 7 of the bulletin for opportunities.
· Charitable donations; Buy gifts for a child or senior in need.
· Send cards/letters to those who are sick, elderly, or soldiers stationed far from home.
· Go to confession; Reconcile with others.

We have purchased purple wristbands for our youth, to remind them to Prepare the Way of the Lord this Advent.  To be kind to one another, to pray for their family and friends, to let others see Christ in them.  We invite you to join us by picking one up in the back as you leave today.  Let us all prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus.