PARISH COLLABORATION MEETING
On Thursday, May 11, parishioners from St. Matt’s hosted counterparts from St. Stan’s. The purpose was to get to know one another. We did. It was a good meeting!
Details: I’m grateful to our Council members who came, including Kathy Goldenstein, Becky Montgomery, Janelle Rohr, and Ellen Schneider. Also present were our trustees, John Del Vecchio and Karen Thompson.
Our guests from St. Stan’s included trustees and staff—including my counterpart, Kim Myers. Kim and I see each other monthly, at parish administrator meetings. I’ve found it useful to share information and ideas with her. Now, we’re exploring additional ways to collaborate.
It’s energizing to learn more about St. Stan’s, a neighboring parish that has much in common with St. Matt’s. Both parishes are lay-led, with many volunteers, and committed to the teachings of Vatican II. It was exciting to learn of possible areas of cooperation, e.g., youth ministry and adult faith formation.
Next steps: (a) possible joint hire of a youth minister; (b) share news between both parishes; (c) look for additional ways to collaborate.
I couldn’t help but think again of synodality, a term for the process of listening in the church. And when I say church, I’m thinking of local, Archdiocesan, national and global levels. With reference to our local church, members of St. Stan’s and St. Matt’s are listening to one another.
SECURITY AND HOSPITALITY
As I’ve been researching security systems, I’ve also been reflecting on hospitality. What do we do when we encounter a stranger on campus? How comfortable are we in saying hello, asking how we can help, and potentially referring a person to resources?
Security and hospitality: it’s not one or the other. We must attend to both. If interested in helping, let me know.
Thank you for your support, and have a great week!
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