Who, What, When, Where and Why?
“Who, What, When, Where and Why are questions that surface when there is planned change. We will attempt to address these questions in the next weeks throughout the summer.
WHY? Is the question that has the most important answer.
Together we as a Church are responsible for building up and sustaining dynamic local communities (parishes) so that a vibrant and dynamic church lives on into the future of South Jersey.
The true goal that reconfiguration is addressing is to build up and sustain dynamic parishes so they give witness to God’s love acting through the parish community thereby becoming salt for the earth and light to the world here in South Jersey. This comes about because 76% of our Catholics are not attending Sunday liturgy. Something must be done. The Bishop has the obligation to address this problem now.
WHEN? This question is continuing to be foremost to many people.
The answer is it will vary depending on each reconfiguration. Some mergers will go fast and some slower, but within 1-2 years our new parishes should be ready for the decree of establishment. Work and time will be spent in bringing communities together. It resembles a courtship, whereby an understanding of various traditions, devotions, events of each merging community must happen. This is not an overnight happening.
In the Fall there will be 2 parallel happenings going on simultaneously in merging parishes.
Parish Life will continue under the direction of the present pastor. Parish programs and events will continue as well as scheduling other sacraments.
A priest will be named by the Bishop. He will be called the PRIEST CONVENER. This priest will continue in his parish, while at the same time, will be working with a CORE TEAM from each parish in the merger to help created the new parish.
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Excerpts taken from Diocesan correspondence