Living Stones

Bishop announces plans for restructuring of Asbury Park area parishes by Mary Morrell

After more than two years of study and collaboration by the Catholic community in and around Asbury Park, it was announced by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. that two parish mergers will take place effective July 1, 2012. St. Peter Claver Parish, Asbury Park, will be merged into Holy Spirit Parish, Asbury Park, and Our Lady of Providence Parish, Neptune, will be merged into Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Asbury Park.

 The remaining two parishes, Holy Spirit and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, will be twinned under the leadership of one pastor, Divine Word Father Miguel Virella, also effective July 1, 2012. A transition team representing both parishes will be formed to examine and make recommendations on all areas of parish life.

The restructuring is not expected to affect the parish school for Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

The decision, which was announced in a letter that was read to all four parish communities the weekend of January 1, was based on restructuring recommendations presented to Bishop O’Connell Sept. 20 by Asbury Park area pastors, priests and parish leaders, and followed consultation with the Diocesan Curia and Presbyteral Council.

The recommendations culminated a lengthy process of research, evaluation and dialogue which focused on meet­ing the challenges of changing demographics and dwindling pastoral and financial resources. These factors, primary among them the inadequacy of aging church structures, necessitated the twinning in 2005 of St. Peter Claver Parish with Holy Spirit Parish, and the clustering in 2007 of the par­ishes of Our Lady of Providence, St. Peter Claver and Holy Spirit.

This newest restructuring respects the long standing history of the Catholic Church in Asbury Park of embracing a rich diversity of cultural and faith traditions, while ensuring the most fruitful means of spreading the Gospel and meeting the needs of those within the community.  The histories of these four parishes, span­ning as many as 130 years, are defined by their welcome of the immigrant populations they serve and the ability to thrive in changing times.

From its very beginnings in 1880, Holy Spirit Parish ministered to Irish, German and Italian immigrants, and is now a place of welcome for mem­bers of the Haitian and Hispanic communities. Founded in 1905, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish was first home to recent immigrants from Italy and continues to be a parish that is open to a diverse community of people. St. Peter Claver Parish was established to serve African-American Catholics, and Our Lady of Providence Parish has been a spiritual home for the Hispanic Catholic community.

 In announcing the restructuring plan, Bishop O’Connell expressed his appreciation to Father Virella, Trinitarian Father Charles Flood, and the late Father William McLaughlin, former pastor of Holy Spirit Parish, “for the leadership they have shown throughout this study.” The bishop indicated that Father Flood will remain pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel until June 30, 2012, and Father Virella will remain pastor of Our Lady of Providence Parish and temporary administrator of St. Peter Claver Parish and Holy Spirit Parish until June 30, 2012.

 Following the merger, Holy Spirit Parish will continue its ministry to Haitian Catholics and will move forward with a plan to build St. Peter Claver Center on the former St. Peter Claver church property. The cen­ter, which will continue the charism of Jesuit missionary St. Peter Claver, is a move toward consolidation and coordination of outreach efforts to the poor, needy and marginalized. The new facility, located in an area provid­ing the greatest impact, will advance Catholic social teaching and ministry in Asbury Park.

 In recognition of the continued growth of the Hispanic Catholic community, Our Lady of Providence Parish, as part of the newly merged parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, will worship in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and will continue to worship and minister in Holy Spirit Church where it has been located since 2006 when its own facilities were found to be structurally unsound. Additional worship services will be established in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church as needed.

 In addition, under the leadership of Father Virella, the parish communi­ties of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Holy Spirit will work collaboratively to develop a longer-range plan to bring both parish­es into one community. The plan must be presented to Bishop O’Connell by Dec. 1, 2013.

Acknowledging the challenge before them, Bishop O’Connell said, “Change is never easy because these decisions touch people at a very sa­cred and sensitive place; namely, their love for their parish. These changes will certainly require all of us to work together in a spirit of faith to develop and implement plans for becoming parishes that welcome and draw people into an ever deeper relationship with Christ through worship, education and service. I ask that you join together with optimism and confidence, trusting in the presence of Christ who is always with us, so that our Catho­lic life in Asbury Park will be vibrant well into the future.”

Interparish Pastoral Commission narrows focus for restructuring options by Mary Morrell

After months of study and dialogue on the canonical options for parish restructuring, the Interparish Pastoral Commission in the Asbury Park Area has narrowed its focus down to three options.  These options are being considered as the IPC creates its recommendations for Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.

Principal Parish and Mission – One “full-service” parish and a second site with a “limited” schedule of worship and activity providing outreach to a population that is remote or too small for self-sufficiency. 

• Members of the IPC favor this model because they see it as the best way to strengthen collaboration between already existing communities without losing the unique styles or identities of each. It offers potential for growth, greater financial stability, and better usage of existing facilities.

Twinning – Two or more parishes share a pastor, but remain distinct in other aspects. 

• Twinning may foster greater collaboration between the parishes, but the census, sacramental records, finances, and most pastoral activity remain separate.  The IPC recognizes a greater need for personnel in this model and feels there would be less flexibility for facility usage. 

Merger – Two different parish entities become one single entity with a unified and singular identity.  The unique characteristics of each parish coming into the merger are incorporated into the new community and serve to form the identity of the merged parish.

• The IPC has acknowledged that this option will represent the greatest change for the communities involved, in that the various distinct, unique parishes will cease to exist, and a new single entity will be created.  The IPC has emphasized, with some concern, that merger would require the greatest commitment to cooperate with one another, and to integrate the unique qualities of the merging parishes into the new faith community that will be formed.

 

Asbury Park parishes face change with trust in God by Mary Morrell

Among all the lessons that Scripture offers us, perhaps none is more consistent than the need to embrace change.

With God, change is not just a fact of life, it is a tool in Divine Hands. Just look at Noah, Abraham, Moses, Mary and Joseph, and the Apostles. God entered their lives and asked each of them to let go of what was so they could embrace what would be, through the power of God’s Spirit.

Without their willingness to put their faith in God, the world would certainly look different today. What if Noah laughed himself silly at God’s request to build the ark? Or if Abraham planted his feet firmly on the land he already owned, refusing to leave all he had worked for just because of God’s whim?

Imagine if Moses let his insecurities rule the day and prevent him from going to Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Hebrew people? What if Moses had given in to the people’s grumbling about the hard life of the Exodus and let them go back to Egypt to live in persecution?

And then there is Mary, our Blessed Virgin. Where would we be if, in her fear, she said no to the Angel Gabriel? Or if Joseph took advantage of his right to divorce her because of her pregnancy, rather than accept this unexpected change in plans?

And the 12 ordinary men who were the Apostles – what changes did they embrace in their lives in order to accept the invitation of Jesus to “come and see?”  Leaving behind family and friends and livelihood wasn’t the only new path they needed to walk. The most significant change, and one that Jesus requires of each of us, is a change of heart and mind.  This change must be a profound one, made with a deep understanding of how individual lives and the whole People of God will be transformed by living in Christ and walking with God in a new way.

St. Paul says it beautifully in his letter to the Corinthian community:  So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come (2 Cor. 5:5:17).

In all circumstances of change, we can take comfort in knowing that God continues to use each of us and every situation to bring about His Kingdom. The pivotal factor in God’s work is our response.

We can see this dynamic so clearly in the courageous way in which the parish communities in the Asbury Park area are working toward a new way of being Church together.  Rather than avoiding change, they are pursuing collaboration and sharing facilities.  Yes, they are even preparing recommendations for restructuring their parishes; all with a spirit of trust and generosity. 

Like Abraham, they are willing to leave behind what is comfortable and familiar.  Like Moses, they are facing their fears with honesty and a sense of God’s benevolent care.  Like Mary, they are saying “yes” despite not being able to see all that lies ahead.  The pastors and parishioners of the Asbury Park Parishes are trusting that, despite the challenges, God will show them the way.

Faith and humility calm the swelling sea of change by Mary Morrell

When my second son began preschool, an experience relished by his five brothers, his reaction was less than enthusiastic. As we approached the brightly painted door that led to his classroom, I felt myself being pulled backward by the pressure of his tiny hand tugging on mine.

Looking down I saw the big brown eyes welling up with tears, a look of fear crossing his flushed face. A kindly, gray-haired lady came out and wrapped her arm around his shoulder, ushering him in to join the other children. As he turned to look at me with wide doe-eyes, I was sure the lump in my throat would choke me. I waited for the inevitable with baited breath.

“MOMEEE!” came the blood-curdling scream. It wasn’t so much the word as the impassioned, gut-wrenching way in which it was delivered that pierced my guilty-mother heart as I tore myself away, leaving him there in the obviously adequate care of his new teacher.

New beginnings were not his cup of tea.

And so it is for many of us, even as adults. New beginnings, while often exciting and challenging, also signify endings. With each new beginning we are called to give up the security and comfortableness of old ways to move forward into the unknown. Even routine, boring or painful daily experiences may be difficult to relinquish because they have become an anchor holding us in place.

New beginnings require a trust in the Lord and acknowledgement that he is the author of both beginnings and endings. Moving forward is sure to be difficult without the hand of the Lord to lead us.

Talking to a young man who wished to follow Jesus, but only after he had returned home to say good-bye to his family, Jesus explained the importance of letting go of the past: “No one who sets a hand to the plow and looks to what was left behind is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Jesus was not saying, as many believe, that the past is something that should be forgotten or ignored, but rather, that when the time comes for a decision to be made for the future, the past must take its place as the port from which one sails.

This is particularly relevant in a time of reconfiguration of parishes and schools—painful, but responsible decisions ensuring that future generations may effectively continue the mission to serve God and each other.

To continue to look back may prevent us from making what one Bible commentary refers to as an “instant decision of purpose” – the kind we must make when God calls us to something new and, often, something frightening.

My experience with decisions of “purpose” have taught me a lesson I continue to value today—when the challenges of any new beginning bring cries for help, we should remember the words of Jesus as he rebuked the storm, saying, “Quiet! Be still!” and his remonstration of the Apostles, of whom he asked, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

I have learned, also, that with prayer, and an attitude of “not my will but Yours,” the sometimes stormy sea of change will be navigated with surety through faith in God and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Speaking of new beginnings, I wonder how Noah would have done in pre-school?

“Then David said to his son, Solomon. ‘Be firm and steadfast. Go to work without fear or discouragement, for the Lord, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or abandon you before you have completed all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.’”  1 Chronicles 28:20

Coming Together in Faith by Fr. Bill McLaughlin

Asbury Park is a city with a great many issues. Our young adult population is in disarray. We have too much overcrowded and expensive housing. And, our educational system cannot handle the load.

At the same time, our city should be very proud and  grateful to the churches of the city for the wonderful witness they have given of the faith that they hold. Not only have they helped build the moral fiber a community needs to discipline itself, but many have intensive out reach programs for their neighbors.

As I learned of the decision of the Trinitarian Order not to renew its commitment to Mt. Carmel Parish after 2012, I began thinking about this tremendous affect our churches have in the community. In the case of the Catholic Church and its witness, for example, we certainly could start with a parish like Mt. Carmel.

From its very beginnings as a church of the poor, Italian immigrant population up to today, its has been a strong Christian witness in a community of great need. Mt. Carmel school is a great example. Even though it has been a difficult struggle, it continues its educational mission now primarily to Haitian, AfroAmerican, and Hispanic neighbors. Yes, times have changed, but our Catholic witness is now even more important to our community. The question remaines how to adapt our Church to changes that demand new and creative energies  while we rely on our unique past to guide us.

Over six years ago, our bishop asked the parishes of our area to engage in a process which would produce a plan by which we could meet the challenges of the future. There were some immediate issues to deal with. Three of the parishes, Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Providence, and St. Peter Claver each had separate but demanding problems. We found that the only solution for meeting those challenges was to come together at Holy Spirit as a central location for our  worship and programs.

Each parish continued to exist and we learned to share space and time for all of our activities. It was our hope that in the future each parish would develop some kind of center to preserve its unique mission. Although this plan helped solve some immediate problems, we realized a more comprehensive process would need to include Mt. Carmel. Thus, last year we renewed our process and, with Mt. Carmel included, the pastors met regularly with the Restructuring Commission of the Diocese.

In September, we called together a large gathering of over 200 members from all the parishes consisting of staff and regular volunteers to talk about the future of the Catholic Church in our area. Ms. Terry Ginther of the pastoral center of the Diocese, gave a presentation explaining what has happened in the various attempts at consolidation of parishes in the Diocese.

After that gathering, the pastors chose 5 members from their parish councils to form an inter parish council which would  meet once a month in order to eventually produce a consensus regarding consolidation. Once this plan is produced, it will be offered to the parishes to discuss, amend, and approve before sending it to the Diocesan Commission on Restructuring.

We are at the point now of choosing the best of several options available for us regarding the juridical alignment of our parishes. Those options are available for review to anyone from the pastor of each parish. Whichever option seems best to us will need to do two things: preserve the unique heritage of each Catholic community and continue to offer a unified witness of the Gospel from our common tradition. After we establish a realignment of the parishes, we will continue to develop a pastoral plan to address the needs of our Church and our community. We hope all of our Catholic family will participate as much as possible in this process and help “renew the world” in love and compassion.

Fr. Bill McLaughlin,  Holy Spirit and St. Peter Claver Parishes

Trinitarians to withdraw from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in 2012

The following Press Release was issued on Sunday, February 13, 2011:

For nearly 100 years, the pastoral needs of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Asbury Park, have been entrusted to the care of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity, which has shepherded the community of predominantly Italian immigrants through a century of growth, development and socioeconomic challenges.

Very Rev. Father J. Edward Owens, O.SS.T, minister provincial of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity, Baltimore, announced Feb. 12, 2011, that following the centenary celebration of the Trinitarian presence in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in 2012, the order will return pastoral leadership of the parish to the Diocese of Trenton or another religious congregation for ministry. The transition is expected to take place on or about June 30, 2012. Parishioners were informed at Masses the weekend of Feb. 12 and 13 by their pastor, Trinitarian Father Charles J. Flood.

In a statement to the order's U.S. province members, Father Owens writes, "In 2012 the Trinitarians will have enjoyed the privilege of a century of ministry at the parish, rooted in service to Italian immigrants and spanning 10 decades of shepherding the wonderful growth and timely changes in the parish. We thank the Diocese of Trenton for its support during our stewardship and look forward to collaborating in all aspects of transitioning and welcoming the new leadership."

It is expected that the Trinitarians will maintain their presence in the Diocese of Trenton with their ongoing pastoral leadership in Incarnation-St. James Parish in Ewing.

In a letter to Father Owens, Bishop David M. O'Connell, C.M., Diocese of Trenton, expressed gratitude to the order, stating, "I wish to take this opportunity to express on behalf of Bishop Smith and myself our appreciation for the presence and pastoral ministry that your community provides in the Diocese of Trenton. The charism of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity has enriched both the faithful people served by the Trinitarians and the entire diocese."

Pointing to the "significant changes in demographics over the past years" that the Asbury Park area has experienced, and the need for the diocese to "evaluate and plan how best to continue its presence, ministry and mission in the area," Bishop O'Connell expressed his gratitude for the role that the Trinitarians have had in the planning process thus far.

Father Jeffrey E. Lee, chairman of the Diocesan Expansion and Restructuring Commission, shared that sense of appreciation in responding to the Trinitarians' announcement. He said, "We remain grateful for the willing partnership of the Trinitarians with the Diocese of Trenton; especially for their leadership and caring for the people of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Asbury Park. The process of coming to this decision on the part of the order has been marked by transparency and honesty, and has kept the best interest of the flock in the Asbury Park area in the forefront."

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is one of five Catholic communities that have been participating in an ongoing consultation process for the Asbury Park area. An Interparish Pastoral Commission with members representing OLMC, Holy Spirit, St. Peter Claver and Our Lady of Providence Parishes, and the Haitian Apostolate was formed in September, 2010 to launch the formal study. The study is expected to result in recommendations that will be presented to Bishop O'Connell later this year for possible parish restructuring.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish has faithfully served the Catholic community of the greater Asbury Park area for more than 100 years. Founded in 1905, the parish was first home to recent immigrants from Italy. In 1912, Bishop James A. McFaul entrusted the care of the parish to the Order of the Most Holy Trinity. The Trinitarians have maintained that responsibility to this day.

In the course of its long and fruitful history, this faith community has grown and evolved. A parish school was built in 1923 and a new church completed in 1951. Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish is a community open to people of any national or ethnic background. Through its liturgies, its many social ministries, and its school, the parish reaches out to the diverse peoples of the area.

What does our Church do for the poor?

Gathered for the January 20 Asbury Park Consultation meeting, pastors from Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, St. Peter Claver, and Our Lady of Providence parishes expressed appreciation for the opportunity to share thoughts, information and vision with parish representatives at their monthly meetings of the Inter-Parish Commission.

During one such meeting on January 4, discussion around the proposed St. Peter Claver Parish Center, which is planned to house, among other things, the integral ministry of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, proved an opportunity to answer one parishioner’s question: "What does our Church do for the poor?"

The question is strikingly similar to the one that served as the impetus for Blessed Frederick Ozanam’s founding of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

Frederick was a student in the School of Law at the Sorbonne at the University of Paris. Together with Mr. Emmanuel Bailly, editor of the "Tribune Catholique," he revived a student organization which he called "The Conference of History," in which students gathered to talk about a variety of topics, including the work of the Church.

One student acknowledged that the Church had been responsible for much good work in the past but challenged Frederic and the other Catholic students, asking, "What do you do now?"

The question spurred Frederic, together with five friends and Mr. Bailly, to found the "Conference of Charity" to assist the poor. The date was April 23, 1833. Shortly thereafter, they changed their name to The Society of St. Vincent de Paul in honor of their patron, St. Vincent de Paul (1581-1660) who became known as "The Apostle of Charity" and "Father of the Poor." St. Vincent, who was founder of the Congregation of the Mission, collaborated with St. Louise de Marillac to found the Daughters of Charity.

Frederic and the other founding members of the Society were guided by Blessed Rosalie Rendu, DC, a Daughter of Charity who formed them in the spirit of St. Vincent, teaching them to serve the poor with respect and compassion.

 The first meeting of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in the United States was held on November 20, 1845, only twelve years after its foundation in Paris. Today, the mission statement of the Society of Vincent de Paul in the United States explains who they are:

Inspired by Gospel values, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic lay organization, leads women and men to join together to grow spiritually by offering person-to-person service to those who are needy and suffering in the tradition of its founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam, and patron, St. Vincent de Paul.

As a reflection of the whole family of God, Members, who are known as Vincentians, are drawn from every ethnic and cultural background, age group, and economic level. Vincentians are united in an international society of charity by their spirit of poverty, humility and sharing, which is nourished by prayer and reflection, mutually supportive gatherings and adherence to a basic Rule.

Organized locally, Vincentians witness God's love by embracing all works of charity and justice. The Society collaborates with other people of good will in relieving need and addressing its causes, making no distinction in those served because, in them, Vincentians see the face of Christ.

For more information on the St. Vincent de Paul Society visit: www.svdpusa.org

Asbury Park Parish Study continues its move forward by Mary Morrell

 

Following the very successful September leadership event, "Our Future Together," area pastors from Holy Spirit, St. Peter Claver, Our Lady of Providence and Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parishes re-gathered for the Asbury Park Consultation on October 7 at St. Denis Rectory, Manasquan. Encouraged by the excellent turn-out and positive attitude expressed at the September 12 dinner gathering, pastors met to continue developing a plan for ensuring vibrant parishes in Asbury Park, keeping in mind the shifting role of urban parishes.

 

Crucial to the process will be the establishment of an Inter-parish Pastoral Commission (IPC), whose purpose will be to:

• identify opportunities for the communities to work, pray and socialize together
• celebrate the diversity of Asbury Park area communities with the intention of supporting a unity of purpose and experience of communion
• study the pastoral situation, demographics and emerging possibilities for the pastoral care of people, leadership and governance
• to actively communicate about the process in an ongoing way with all communities
• seek and receive feedback from the communities as the process unfolds
• make recommendations to the Bishop about the ministry model and canonical structure by sometime in 2011.

Pastors received a proposed timeline which they will use as a guide to develop the parish study process at the local level. The Pastors have elected to take turns facilitating the study process themselves. The diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning will continue to provide support throughout the study. It is expected that there will be regular meetings of the IPC, but also that particular times will be appointed for reporting to the parish about progress and obtaining feedback.

On Thursday, October 14, pastors met with 24 people from the various parish councils to discuss the reasons for the Inter-parish Pastoral Commission as well as the rationale for conducting future meetings. Pastors will choose from among those who are willing to serve on the Commission, adding to those names others to be considered. Membership on the Commission will be limited to 5 members per parish. A meeting of pastors and newly selected members will be held at Carmel Hall on Thursday, Nov. 4, 6:30 pm, to discuss the structure of the Commission and steps to further the consolidation process.

La Consulta se trata de llenar las necesidades de la comunidad católica en Asbury Park

Los líderes parroquiales en Asbury Park han convocado un proceso consultativo dirigido al desarrollo de formas en que se pueda servir mejor las necesidades de la comunidad católica en la ciudad y sus alrededores.  Pastores y sacerdotes asignados a cuatro parroquias—Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Providence, St. Peter Claver y Our Lady of Mount Carmel—y al Apostolado Haitiano en Asbury Park se han estado reuniendo desde agosto para reevaluar algunos asuntos que examinaron  seis años atrás y determinar la mejor forma en que la iglesia pueda responder.

 

El semblante de la Iglesia Católica está cambiando, especialmente a nivel parroquial, el cual puede ser rastreado atreves de la historia.  Desde tiempos coloniales cuando los primeros católicos poblaron a Nueva Jersey, la iglesia ha respondido al vaivén de los cambios poblacionales, la necesidad de grupos étnicos y culturales, y los retos financieros que vinieron por los caminos.  La iglesia continúa tratando estas circunstancias cambiantes en el día de hoy mientras se esfuerza por asegurar que en el futuro las parroquias sean vibrantes.

 

Con esas realidades a la vista, las cuatro parroquias comenzaron a dialogar en el 2004 sobre como satisfacer los retos con los que se enfrentaban en sus respectivas comunidades – individualmente, y juntos como parte del gran Cuerpo de Cristo – reconociendo que extenderse y crecer son elementos claves de una comunidad vibrante y duradera.  Temprano en el proceso, se discernió que como la Iglesia  Our Lady of Mount Carmel no compartía los mismos retos que las otras parroquias, se retiraría de la consulta. Aún después que procediera el dialogo, las preocupaciones en las otras parroquias necesitaban cambios.

 

Cuando su pastor, Padre Vincent Burke, SVD, partió en el 2005, la Parroquia St, Peter  Claver se “emparejó” con la Parroquia Holy Spirit compartiendo un solo pastor.  Cuando asuntos estructurales serios fueron identificados en la Iglesia y Centro Familiar de Our Lady of Providence y necesitaba cerrar permanentemente en el 2006, la comunidad de OLP fue invitada a compartir las facilidades de la Iglesia Holy Spirit.

 

En el 2007, a la culminación de más de dos años de diálogo y planificación, una serie de recomendaciones fue presentada al Obispo Smith proponiendo, en parte, un agrupamiento de las tres parroquias de Holy Spirit, St. Peter Claver y Our Lady of Providence, permitiéndoles compartir y colaborar en liderazgo y en un número de ministerios y recursos.  En ese momento el Obispo Smith escribió, en una carta al Padre William McLaughlin, “El plan, según propuesto, hábilmente responde al reto de proveer apropiadamente un lugar de alabanza para las parroquias con facilidades actuales que ya no son adecuadas, y para enriquecer la experiencia de fe para todos los que serán parte de la agrupación.” También expresó su fe en las “familias parroquiales tan especiales” quienes “continuarán encontrando formas nuevas e irresistibles de traer el amor de Dios a todos en sus comunidades.”

 

Recientemente, los pastores de Asbury Park reconocieron que consultas futuras eran necesarias para asegurar que la comunidad católica en el área de Asbury Park tiene una oportunidad de expandir y florecer, indiferentemente de los cambios continuos en la demografía, gastos crecientes, y recursos limitados – incluyendo finanzas, facilidades, y el número de cleros disponibles para las asignaciones pastorales. La Iglesia Our Lady of Mount Carmel se unirá en estas nuevas consultas.

 

Reuniones con pastores se están convocando bimensualmente. Ellos, en torno, se están reuniendo regularmente con un grupo interparroquial, al igual que con el consejo parroquial de cada parroquia.  La consulta es apoyada por la Oficina Diocesana de Planificación Pastoral y la Comisión de Expansión y Reestructuración.

 

Anuncios regulares a este diario servirán para mantener las comunidades de Asbury Park al día con información pertinente sobre esta nueva iniciativa.

Consultation is about meeting needs of the Catholic community in Asbury Park by Mary Morrell

Parish leaders in Asbury Park have reconvened a consultation process aimed at developing ways to better serve the needs of the Catholic community in and around the city.  Pastors and priests assigned to four parishes—Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Providence, St. Peter Claver and Our Lady of Mount Carmel—and to the Haitian Apostolate in Asbury Park have been meeting since August to reassess some of the issues that were examined six years ago and determine how best the Church might respond.   

The changing face of the Catholic Church, especially on the parish level, can easily be traced back through history.  Since Colonial times when Catholics first settled in New Jersey, the Church has responded to the ebb and flow of population changes, the needs of different ethnic and cultural groups, and the financial challenges that have come along the way. The Church continues to address these ever-changing circumstances today as it strives to ensure vibrant parishes into the future.

With those realities in view, the four parishes began to dialogue in 2004 about how to meet the challenges they were facing in their respective communities—individually, and together as part of the larger Body of Christ—recognizing that outreach and growth are key elements of a vibrant and enduring community. Early in the process, it was discerned that since Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish did not share the same challenges the other parishes were facing, it could withdraw from the consultation.  

Even as the dialogue proceeded, the concerns facing the remaining parishes necessitated changes. When its pastor, Fr. Vincent Burke, SVD, departed in 2005, St. Peter Claver Parish became “twinned” with Holy Spirit Parish, sharing a single pastor. When serious structural issues were identified at Our Lady of Providence Church and Family Center and it needed to be permanently closed in 2006, the Our Lady of Providence community was invited to share the vacilities at Holy Spirit Church.

In 2007, at the completion of more than two years of discussion and planning, a set of recommendations was presented to Bishop Smith proposing, in part, the clustering of the three parishes of Holy Spirit, St. Peter Claver and Our Lady of Providence, allowing them to share and collaborate in leadership and a number of ministries and resources.  At that time Bishop Smith wrote, in a letter to Father William McLaughlin, “The plan, as proposed, deftly responds to the challenge of providing appropriate worship space for the parishes whose current facilities are no longer suitable, and for enriching the faith experience of all who will be part of the cluster.” He also expressed his faith in the “very special parish families” who “will continue to find new and compelling ways to bring God’s love to all those in their communities.”

 

Recently, the Asbury Park pastors  recognized that further consultation was necessary to ensure that the Catholic community in the Asbury Park area has an opportunity to expand and flourish, in spite of continued changes in demographics, growing expenses, and limited resources--including finances, facilities, and the number of clergy available for pastoral assignment. Our Lady of Mount Carmel will join in this new consultation.

Meetings with pastors are being held bi-monthly.  They, in turn, are gathering regularly with an inter-parochial group of leaders, as well as with the pastoral council of each parish. The consultation is being supported by the Diocesan Office of Pastoral Planning and the Diocesan Expansion and Restructuring Commission.

 

Regular postings to this blog will serve to keep the Asbury Park communities updated with pertinent information on this new initiative.