Pastoral Council Update to Parish
On the weekend of March 12 -13, 2022, members of the Pastoral Council spoke at each Mass, providing a brief update on parish life. Below you will find the seven points that were covered:
1. It is important that we all remember that the “church” is not an institution or a “they”. Church is “us”! The results of the recent Synodal listening sessions have been reported to you in the bulletin (and here on our website). These show a desire to be a people who are connected to one another and a parish that is welcoming to all of God’s people.
2. This has been a year of action: we created the role of a director of parish life as part of our parish team, resulting in more connections between our parish ministries and between the ministries and the reset of the parish; increased activity through social media (which is drawing new people to our parish).
3. We have a revised sacramental prep program for our children. This shift has been in the works for several years. Our 9 am Mass has become our “Family Mass” and actively involves the children. This is a part of our journeying with youth, one of the key Jesuit areas of ministry.
4. Our parishioners have been supporting charitable causes and agencies in the larger community. This is part of our mission to walk with and care for the marginalized and those who suffer. The most recent effort, coordinated by our Social Justice and Peace Commission, was a collection of supplies for Hope House. Thank you for your generosity!
5. This year we expected that our parish operational budget would be in a deficit, and it is. With costs increasing as they are, we will have a more detailed report next month.
6. Upcoming events for the spring and early summer include: Arts ABloom, a parish paint night, Plant Sale all in May, an outdoor Mass on July 30. Fr. Greg Boyle, SJ, best selling author nationally known for his work in California with Homeboy Industries (the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world) will be here on May 24th. He will be speaking to students during the day and at an evening event at Cheverus open to the public.
7. Lastly, we are seeking candidates to serve on the Pastoral Council for the coming year. The Parish Office is accepting nominations now. To serce on the Council, you must be a registered member of the Parish, active in parish and/or school life and be at least 16 years old. You may nominate yourself!
In this Ignatian Year, as we celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the birth of the Ignatian Vision, we can report that Our Lady of Hope is a parish with a lived concern for others. Thank you for playing your part – and for considering what new might be calling you.