Dear Parishioners:
The first steps of our diocesan planning process are well under way. We are one of the first three deaneries that have been chosen to initiate this process. Last week there was a meeting of our deanery (which roughly consists of Ottawa County) held at St. Mary’s, Marne. The Meitler Consultants presented to representatives of our parishes and schools the preliminary results of the initial meetings of pastors, principals and parish leaders. They also have collected some data about the area parishes and schools. We had the opportunity to discuss some trends and their implications for our parish life.
These trends will be presented to a combined meeting of our Pastoral, Finance, Stewardship and Consejo Hispano Committees this Monday evening. Our parish leaders will be invited to offer their input to the consultants. If you are interested in looking at these finding please go to our parish website. I will also have some copies of the key findings placed in the kiosk.
The next step in the process will take place in late February. At that time we will be a discussion of the preliminary proposals.
This weekend we are also renewing our stewardship of treasure pledges. Last Sunday’s readings offered us a challenge being radically generous. In the midst of these difficult economic times, we can relate to the example of the two widows who were generous not from their wealth but from their poverty. We too are asked to give from our hearts in gratitude to all that God has given us.
Peace,
Fr. Charlie
(for more information regarding the key findings from the Grand Haven Deanery Report pleas see the attached document).
Key Findings Report.pdf