Last night we attended the "Meet the Pastor" night at Immaculate Conception Parish in Dardenne. This was an opportunity for parishioners to meet Father Timothy Elliott who is to be the new pastor of the new parish named St. Gianna. It is the first new parish in the Archdiocese in about 25 years.
The previous night Fr. Elliott had met with a group from St Patrick's in Wentzville about the move and he indicated that several people had volunteered to help with PSR and such. He mentioned last nite that he would be sending out a form for those who might be interested in assisting in some manner or another.
It is estimated that about 700 families are affected by the establishment of the new parish. However, it remains to be seen how many actually make the move.
Fr. Elliott, as a devoted and humble priest, began the meeting with a short personal introduction followed by the Sign of the Cross and then a reading from St. Paul followed by some prayers, including a special litany invoking the intercession of St. Gianna. Fr. Elliott, with Fr. Robert Reiker, pastor of Immaculate Conception, greeted each person as he or she arrived, and gave each a copy of the prayer, a Holy Card of St. Gianna, and a flyer containing biographical information about St. Gianna.
Fr. Elliott stressed that he did not yet have all the answers to many questions, however he wished to welcome all new founding members to the parish. Deacon Dan Henroid, from the Archdiocese offices was there to help.
Fr. Elliott, echoing Archbishop Burke and emphasizing St Paul's words about making sacrifices, told us that we would probably experience bouts of confusion initially, but with prayer and faith we would be able to work everything out. He stressed the necessity of building our new parish on the one and only foundation stone - that of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We, then, after having this firm foundation would become the building blocks or stones for the new parish. Fr Elliott also stated that we would have a beautiful church. ( In a previous conversation with him, he had indicated that he already had a baldacchino picked out for the new church and that he had his eyes on some beautiful stained glass windows...)
There were a number of questions about PSR, the temporary space for Mass, sports, school, etc.
I want to relate one comment and then add some observations...
One man, during the Q&A period, asked the question why the parish was given the name of such a recent saint and why such a recent person was named a saint? Why did we not have a patron saint whose name was well known? His followup was, "Is there some sort of political statement or agenda being made by naming the parish after this particular saint?" (paraphrased)
Fr Elliott responded that he did not see it as a political statement, but perhaps as a moral statement. After all, St. Gianna was a devoted mother, a faithful member of the Church, dedicated to helping others and fulfilling her vocation as a wife and mother. What a perfect example she is to us today - she reminds of sacrifice, she followed our Lord's example, by giving her life so that her child might live. We, too, are called to a life of holiness, heroic virtue, a life of sacrifice. Her example should be an inspiration to us.
Another person asked about PSR, specifically, how many nights a week would we get to choose from (ICD currently has 3). Of course, since there may only be 100 or so families with children who would attend and the fact that the local middle school would have to be used in the interim for this project, one night a week would seem to be sufficient. Then the question, I suppose, would be which night? Privately it was suggested that perhaps it could be on Sunday morning during the time between the 2 morning Masses as this might serve as an incentive to get more people to Mass.
Some observations:
In talking briefly with a some people after the meeting, some were undecided about transferring to the new parish. Others felt it would be too much of a sacrifice to switch. Some felt content to stay where they are (at ICD) and stated that Fr. Reiker had told them they did not have to go. Still others are excited and thankful, even if one must endure the pains of growth and development inherent in going from an empty 25 acre tract of farm land to a full fledged parish with all its structures and programs.
I did notice some rather "distinctive" attitudes among those who were called to be be founding members of the new parish. There were attitudes of ambivalence, hesitation, fear, and uncertainty. There were also attitudes of complacency, feelings that "I'm good right where I'm at." Others seemed to be reluctant because the new parish might be "too Catholic"...Some of us, though, while not looking forward to the sacrifices, feel that we have been blessed beyond belief. The tremendous gratitude expressed by a number of people with whom I spoke - gratitude for Archbishop Burke and Fr Elliott - is a joy to witness!
Anyway, it looks to be very interesting...Now perhaps, I can donate the 100 year old tabernacle (or as it was described to me, "a Catholic sacrament holder") that I acquired (in a effort to save a very sacred object from further profanation) at a local flea market recently - complete with keys!
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