I see a fertile land in our parishes. I see hearts that are open, loving, caring. I see people who deeply love Jesus and want to advance His Kingdom. I have received tremendous support since I arrived here. It makes me happy. It makes me smile. I do pray for you and I know you pray for me, too. Thank you. Hopefully, soon, my boxes will be completely unpacked. I’m not there yet 🙂
On Wednesday, July 24, we had a combined meeting of the members of Parish Pastoral Council and Finance Committee. It was a very fruitful meeting and I’ll like to share with us the highlights of our meeting.
Usually, when a priest is newly assigned to a parish, parishioners desire to know what the new priest brings. What is he going to do? People bring their beautiful suggestions and hope that they will be implemented.
I have been studying the history of our parishes. It is a rich history which began with Fr. Pandosy at Sacred Heart Mission. You, the people of God over these years with the help of the Lord have built and built and built. The parish is your home. We, priests, are like transients. We come and go. Mine will be to build upon what you and the other pastors have built over these years. I am grateful to work with you.
As we build together, I have always remembered what St. Francis asked Jesus:
Lord, what do you want me to do.
St. Francis
I believe that as we look unto the Lord, our question to Him as we begin our journey will be:
“Lord, what do you want us to do.”
During our meeting, I shared my vision: that the Catholic Parishes of Penticton and Holy Cross School are a family bound together by the love of the Triune God. We strive to bring the love of Jesus to everyone, to make disciples, to serve with compassion as we journey together towards our heavenly homeland.
Furthermore, the Holy Spirit had put in my heart to ask:
- ‘What are the dreams and hopes of our people in our parishes?’
- What are the spiritual activities we did in the past that have helped us to grow in faith and in our relationship with Jesus?
- What are we doing for our youth and young families?
- Where is Jesus leading us today?
These are questions that call for deep reflection and prayer.
Each member of the Parish Council and Finance Committee shared their dream and hope for our parish. The main thing that stood out was ‘Youth and young families’. What can we do to create an environment where our young ones could discover Catholic faith as a treasure in such a way that once they discover faith as a treasure, they and their families will never want to lose the treasure? Youth/school Mass has been a wonderful thing. We are to find more ways and means of making Sunday Mass more meaningful to them. Having a regular youth Mass was suggested.
The council also agreed that it will be a good thing to hire a youth minister whose ministry will be to work with the pastor and our team to build a strong, vibrant, dynamic youth ministry that will truly draw our young ones and their families to a deeper relationship with Jesus and foster joy in the practice of faith.
We will be speaking with our youth – to get a sense of their desire. To hire a youth minister will require some finance. Is it something we can afford? In my experience, I have discovered that the Protestant Churches usually put a priority on this because they believe that the youth are the future of the Church. Even if they are just 100 families, they come together and try their best to hire a youth minister. The Catholic Parishes of Penticton have the highest number of families in the diocese. Is this something we can do? May we commit
this to prayer and discern what the Lord wants us to do? Is it a priority?
Revitalization of St. John Vianney: this was part of the hopes and dreams – to see that the doors of St. John Vianney remain open. More importantly, to see the parish revitalized, become vibrant and dynamic once again. Together, we can do this. I see the two Churches, Sacred Heart Mission and Holy Cross School as sisters joining together, loving and supporting each other. Some of the things in St. John Vianney like carpet need to be replaced. Baptismal font is also needed. For a parish to be vibrant and be sustained, it needs prayers. So, it was decided that we start daily Masses there again. So, Monday to Wednesday we’ll have Masses at St. John Vianney and Thursday to Saturday at St. Ann. The Mass schedule will allow for School Masses on Thursdays; Rosary Club and Grades 7 & 8 usually attend Masses on Friday. In addition to that, this would allow the school children to practice in the Church prior to their school Mass, as they could do that on one of the days that Mass is at St. John Vianney.
Part of revitalization effort is to reach out to families who no longer attend Masses. I have already started doing that.
For those who need a ride from one Church to another, please try to arrange to carpool. On our knees, we pray that Jesus may guide us and that the Holy Spirit may shed His light on our path.
Daily Mass Schedule
- Saturday July 27 – Saturday August 3: Saint John Vianney at 9am. Rosary at 8:15am
- Monday, August 5 – Wednesday, August 7: St. John Vianney
- Thursday, August 8 – Saturday, August 10: St Ann
Thereafter, all daily Masses will be:
- Monday to Wednesday: St. John Vianney
- Thursday to Saturday: St. Ann
Adoration:
- St. John Vianney: Wednesday, after Mass until 3pm
- St. Ann: Friday, after Mass until 3pm
I will share other things with us as time goes on. Thank you for taking the time to read all this. Next time, I’ll keep it short : )
Your brother,
Fr. Obi