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.”

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

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

St. Joseph, Trenton: A vibrant parish in progress by Rayanne Bennett

In the five plus years that the Diocese of Trenton has been actively engaged in leading parish studies and examining possible areas of restructuring and collaboration, the goal in mind has always been to build more vibrant parishes that will actively and effectively serve God and his people well into the future.

 The ever-present question placed before those engaged in this work has been: “What does a vibrant parish look like?” Dialogue around this idea has been informed by the Eleven Elements of a Vibrant Parish.  In practice, one might sum up the search for a vibrant parish as:  “You know it when you see it.”

 In the process of developing pastoral plans, parishes across the diocese have discerned or expanded ways of their own to become more vibrant. One can see one parish after another taking up this challenge to become more vibrant and – day by day – make real and lasting differences in their faith communities and the wider population they serve.

 Such is the case with St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, which recently took the opportunity to take stock and give thanks for the many ways that it has evolved and grown over the years.  Situated in an area of Trenton that has dealt with serious socioeconomic challenges, St. Joseph Parish stands as a constant reminder of God’s promises to all who believe.

 In an article that appeared in The Monitor, Nov. 11, Features Editor Lois Rogers reported on the parish’s gala, held Oct. 23.  In addition to honoring Bishop John M. Smith and Annunciation Sister Maria Pena, pastoral associate, the gathering was very much a celebration of the parish itself and all the blessings it has received in its efforts to build God’s Kingdom.

 Rogers writes of the gala:

 It was, on so many levels, a cele­bration of everyone who has devoted their energies to keeping the religious heart of a beleaguered section of the capital city beating with new life, energy and faithfulness.

 It was also a celebration of the par­ish itself, refreshed and renewed by the efforts of the Latino community of 1,000 families, boasting a new com­plex of administrative offices, a beau­tiful, wide, Guadalupe Chapel and an auditorium/gym where the community can gather for education and social events.

 Rogers quotes parishioner and event organizer Marino Posso, who said, “At St. Joseph, people love the church because in so many ways, it is welcoming.  It is a family oriented church where the people are all involved in helping the community, whether it is donating time to the organizations and events or singing in the choir or helping to raise money for the im­provements, everyone is involved. It really is a beautiful community.”

 St. Joseph pastor, Father Javier Diaz, credited Bishop Smith for safeguarding the parish’s ongoing presence in the community.  Father Diaz said, “This parish in this spot in Trenton is a sign of Gospel preaching. This parish is a sign of the living Christ in the midst of all that is happening around us.”

 Marlene Lao-Collins, the parish’s coordinator of religious education, was reported as saying, “It’s an exciting time around here. Our youth group is growing, our ministries are growing. We have learned how to be a family and work together as a family.”

 Now that’s a vibrant parish in progress. And we should give thanks that there are many parishes in the Diocese of Trenton that show the same signs of growth, vision and hope for the future; that offer the same witness of Christ’s saving grace in their communities.

 To read Lois Rogers’ full story on St. Joseph Parish, Trenton, click on the following link . . . http://www.trentonmonitor.com/main.asp?SectionID=4&subsectionID=22&articleID=1685   

 Filed by:  Rayanne Bennett, Chief Communications Officer

Nov. 12, 2010

 

Year One: What happens after the merger? by Rayanne Bennett

Among the ways that parish structures have changed over the last five years here in the Diocese of Trenton, and indeed around the country, is through mergers, in which two or more distinct parishes become one new entity.

When we stand back and look at this dynamic, we might see its similarity to something many Catholics are very familiar with -- marriage.  In a marriage, two separate individuals living distinct lives come together as a new entity -- a couple.  That evolution brings with it a series of issues to be considered and resolved, covering everything from emotional matters to practical concerns.  The new couple must decide such things as where they will live, whose family will they visit and how often, which bank accounts to maintain and whether they need to consolidate their cell phone plans. 

For a merged parish, the first year of its new existence presents similar challenges that require attention and effort.  Establishing a Mass schedule that adequately serves the community, determining which worship sites will be used and for what purposes, finding ways to communicate and work together to build a strong future are just some of the priorities for the first year.

We recently saw a very good example of this dynamic in Christ the King Parish, Long Branch.  Marking the completion of its first year as a merged entity, parish leaders presented something of an annual report which detailed steps taken to serve the multi-lingual community with Masses in three languages, celebrations of ethnic feasts embraced by the different cultures and a unification of parish ministries that pre-existed the merger.

The one-year assessment also included the determination that the parish owned 12 properties, far more than they needed and could financially maintain.  In that several of these properties were in poor structural condition, (including one of the former worship sites:  St. John the Baptist Church), the decision was made to demolish these properties and invest the funds saved (and possibly gained through property sales) into a proposed project that will enrich parish life for this evolving community.

Just as with any new married couple, the young community of Christ the King Parish has made significant changes from its pre-merger existence, all with an eye toward the long and fruitful future it will share together.

 To read more about Christ the King Parish, one year out, visit The Monitor’s online edition at:  http://www.trentonmonitor.com/main.asp?Search=1&ArticleID=1387&SectionID=4&SubSectionID=88&S=1

Rayanne Bennett

Chief Communications Officer

Communicating with Parish Communities by Mary Morrell

As both the Bayshore and Southern Burlington Cluster Study wind down and final recommendations are prepared to be presented to Bishop Smith, reports from parishes on how they have been communicating with their parishioners, particularly during the Town Hall Meeting process, have reflected an increasing awareness of the value of technology for building community and advancing the Gospel.

For example, Father Damian McElroy, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, met with more than 100 parishioners in October to discuss the progress of the cluster study. He outlined the reasons for the study and challenged parishioners to come up with suggestions to relieve two pressing problems: a shortage of pastors and inadquate facilities. To enable parishioners to share their ideas, an email address was set up: clusterstudy@olgcnj.org. In addition, a slide presentation regarding the cluster study has been posted on the parish website, www.olgcnj.org, as well as video clips from the meeting. Of course, parishioners can always send a letter to Father Damian at 42 W. Main St., Moorestown, NJ 08057.

Using the resources of modern social communication has been encouraged in numerous Church documents, both to carry out the mission of evangelization and to reflect the communion of the Church.  Communications has also been cited in the diocesan pastoral plan, Led By the Spirit, as an important element in serving the priorities identified, including outreach to youth and young adults, and encouraging participation in Sunday Mass.

With that in mind, I would invite all parishes to share with me some of the communication methods they used during this study which may continue to serve parish communities well in the future. You may reach me at mreginam@aol.com. Please put Parish Study in the subject line.

Next post: Status report

Vibrant Parishes of the Future by Mary Morrell

Welcome to the Diocese of Trenton Parish Study blog!

It is our hope that you find the information on this site helpful as you follow along with the ongoing initiative to ensure vibrant parishes of the future.

 

As the person reporting to you through this blog, I thought you might appreciate knowing a little about me. My name is Mary Regina Morrell and I have been retained by the diocese as a communications consultant to serve you and your parishes during this time of dialogue.

 

Having previously served within the Diocese of Metuchen as both the associate director of the Office of Religious Education and head staff writer for the diocesan newspaper there, I have spent the past 15 years becoming well-acquainted with diocesan life and the parish communities which form the heart of that life.

 

I am presently employed by RENEW International, a non-profit Catholic organization whose mission is spiritual renewal for individuals and parishes through a process of faith-sharing within small Christian communities.

~

At this time, the Diocese has two parish studies in process: the Monmouth Bayshore Cluster, which consists of seven parishes, including, Holy Family, Union Beach; Jesus the Lord, Keyport; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Highlands; St. Agnes, Atlantic Highlands; St. Ann, Keansburg; St. Catherine, MIddletown, and St. Joseph, Keyport; and the Southern Burlington Cluster, including, Christ the Redeemer, Mount Holly; Our Lady of Good Counsel, Moorestown; Our Lady Queen of Peace, Hainesport; Sacred Heart, Mount Holly, and St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel.

Both of these studies have just passed the mid-way point, with cluster study groups continuing to meet once a month for discussion on shared goals and strategies for meeting the changing needs of the parishes. The work of the goups is meant to be proactive for ensuring parish vibrancy in the future. Recommendations from the cluster studies will be presented to Bishop John M. Smith this Fall.

 

During the coming months, regular blog posts will be added to provide information relevant to one study or the other, or, sometimes, both. I would encourage you to check back several times throughout the month for new information. Also, since this blog is just one of several avenues planned to provide information, I also urge you to review the Parish Study section of the diocesan website, www.dioceseoftrenton.org, where you will find lots of good information about the goals that drive parish study and reconfiguration.

 

You will also want to consult your diocesan newspaper, The Monitor, which will be covering the larger developments of this process as they unfold from this point, such as the upcoming discussion with the parish core teams and the submittal of the study group’s recommendations to Bishop Smith.

As the process continues, I am happy to be making this journey with you.

 

Blessings,
Mary Regina Morrell

 mreginam@aol.com

Please include the words PARISH STUDY in the subject line of your email.