SUMMARY OF MEETING 9/10/2024
With the sad loss of our pastor, we are in a transition phase. It is important for us to hear the voices of one another as to the vision for our parish, its strengths, and needs. A group of parishioners came together on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The following is a summary of that meeting.
Update from the Archdiocese
Ultimately, decisions about next steps for our parish are in the hands of the Archdiocese, but we hope that input from the congregation is taken into consideration.
For now, Fr. Emmons is managing all the Masses [with some assistance]. Other priests are willing to offer some of the Masses. Fr. Emmons has asked for our help in maintaining the ministries, prayer group, etc., and in noting things that may need attention. A suggestion box and email (voicesofholycross@gmail.com) are available for parishioner responses.
Questions and Comments
Continuity of pastoral leadership in a time of transition is a consideration. There were also calls for a younger pastor to appeal to young adults who may not be attending at present. We also need to make more use of social media, texts, emails, and other tech tools in reaching out to our Mt. Airy neighbors. Some families appreciate Catholic traditions and are drawn in by offerings such as the sacraments, adoration, processions, etc. There is a need for religious education and support for our young ones.
Conducting a census in our neighborhood would be helpful in introducing people to Holy Cross or welcoming back parishioners. Holy Cross has a database of parishioners, but it needs to be updated. The school next door is an IMS school. (Independence Mission Schools is a nonprofit network of 14 independent Catholic schools serving Pre-K to 8 students from families of all faiths near Philadelphia.) We can still reach out to them, including publishing school information in our bulletin and including church news in the school newsletter.
Currently, our staff is minimal. We can use the talents among us to help. Several people offered their skills and talents.
Some Action Steps
- Invite someone to come to Mass with you, especially on a Hospitality Sunday.
- Introduce yourself to people at church.
- Make it a point to participate in Hospitality Weekend – the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of the month.
- Make announcements at the Masses about Hospitality and other events. People need to hear about opportunities multiple times.
The next meeting date is Tuesday, September 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room. We look forward to hearing from you.
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
This letter of recommendation was written as a compilation of ideas and suggestions that have come from the last three Voices of Holy Cross meetings held since Father Grogan's sudden passing on August 25th.
Please read it, pray on it, and consider signing it to show your support. Signing this letter of recommendation is optional, you do not have to sign it. The Voices is merely looking to provide the decision-makers at the Archdiocese our perspective on what we, the Voices of Holy Cross, believe we need to ensure a smooth transition during this time of loss, healing and future growth.
(If the pdf is not opening for you, there is an image of the letter below, as well.)