Good morning!
Just over a month ago, Father Zlock shared with us a revitalized Parish Vision to carry the parish through the end of this calendar year
(https://saintmonicachurch.org/mission). As we continue to witness the easing of pandemic restrictions, we are working toward reconnecting and reengaging our parishioners into the Church of St. Monica through the Liturgy, the Word, Charity, and Community. To that end, I wish to share some of the steps taken to date as a follow up to the Parish Vision in building up these pillars:
Community & Charity: An initial meeting of parish staff and engaged parishioners took place. Discussion centered on the parish vision, communication, leadership, and ministries. The staff then gathered the coordinators of parish ministries, apostolates, programs, and partner organizations. The roles of staff members in relation to these groups was discussed. A key component will be for staff and coordinators to work in partnership to share the “good news” of what is going on in these various groups with the parish and the wider community. The need for new ministries was also discussed. Coordinators were asked to enter into a period of discernment prior to the next gathering. This will include prayer, speaking with their members, and reflecting on their mission and their purpose in light of the Parish Vision. Coordinators will be examining whether their particular group might need to merge with another or to cease activities, depending on the needs of the parish now and in the future.
Liturgy: In light of new directives from the Archdiocese on the lifting of many of the pandemic restrictions for liturgy, Deb Rojas has been working with Father Zlock on the implementation of said directives for St. Monica. She is also meeting with members of the choir to begin the process of incorporating them back into Sunday Mass and celebrations.
Community: Conversations have begun on the revamping of the parish website for a more “user friendly” experience. It will incorporate more visibly the four pillars of the vision. This is part of a larger conversation in how the parish can better communicate to our parishioners and the wider community, utilizing new media to reach as many people as possible.
Liturgy: A parish Altar Guild was recently reconstituted. They will be tasked to support Deb Rojas in assisting with the upkeep, beautification, decoration, etc. within the sanctuary and the church building. If you would be interested in joining these efforts, please contact Liz Tenaglio (coordinator) or Deb Rojas in the parish office.
Community: Our Holy Name Society did a wonderful job with the offering of carnations and donuts and coffee to make a special Mother’s Day weekend. In addition, all are invited to participate in the virtual Bingo being held by HNS on Friday, June 11 (see the bulletin and Flocknote for details). That Man Is You! is meeting for a summer session on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 am to discuss and reflect on Matthew Kelly's I Heard God Laugh. Many of our other groups are meeting to plan for the upcoming months, especially as more and more things "open up". These are some small ways which we as a parish are consciously seeking to build up that fourth pillar of "community". Stay tuned for some more exciting events coming as we “welcome back” our parishioners and community members!
Stewardship: The Finance Council met recently to finalize plans for the budget for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). You will be hearing more in the near future about our encouragement to sign up for e-giving if you have not already done so. The impact this will have on the financial health of the parish will also be outlined.
As always, the members of the parish staff and I are happy to accompany you in furthering your encounter with Christ and to answer questions that you may have. You will find our contact information on the parish website (
https://saintmonicachurch.org/parish-pastoral-staff) and we are looking forward to seeing more and more of you at Sunday Mass, in the office, around the grounds, or out in the community!
God bless,
Tom Phillips
Director of Parish Mission Support