Tonight, we had the most recent meeting of the Central Monmouth County Deanery Study. We gathered at the Church of the Nativity in Fair Haven. Tonight, more than ever, we spoke about possible consolidations, twinnings, and combinations of parishes. It was an important night. I could feel the prayerful support of many people guiding our deliberations this evening.
I was personally struck by how many of the participants were still stuck in using imprecise terminology that did not help or further the conversation of helping the Church in our particular area. Too many of the participants are still talking about "maintaining my church" or "our church doesn't need to change" or "My church has always...."
Well, I had to step in at one point in our discussion to point out to all of the participants that we've been charged to look at the ministry of THE Church in this area. We've been charged to discern how The Church's Mission can better be served by better utilizing clergy, staff and physical resources in this area. And that requires CHANGE!
We need to look forward! I have a problem with people who seek to lead by always looking in Rear-view mirrors!
Let's continue to pray for each other in this area as we seek to become a more vibrant, forceful Catholic presence in this area in the future!
Stay tuned for more information about an Open, Town-Hall meeting at St. Anselm to keep you informed about the recommendations we hope to make to the Bishop in the very near future.
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