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I pray this note finds you happy, healthy, and holy. A few weeks ago we received a decree from our bishop affecting our parishes. In order to provide clarification, I remind you that this past summer, parishes throughout our diocese learned how they would be impacted by the Growing Disciples Initiative. We learned then that St. Mary Church in Downs and St. Patrick Church of Merna would be joined, forming a new parish with St. Patrick’s Church being the primary worship site and St. Mary’s Church being a secondary worship site.
As instructed by the diocese, I put together a transition team, consisting of members of both parishes. At a meeting a few months ago, our team talked about the histories of our parishes, reflecting on their “personalities” and any other related information that should be considered when discerning a new name. We had wonderful conversations. I have worked with a lot of people and been to countless meetings. This meeting was distinctly different. It was apparent to me the Holy Spirit was working. Going into this meeting, I was pretty certain what names would be submitted, yet through conversation we were led in a different direction and all the members were agreeable to the names we decided. We left that meeting with three names and we were at peace submitting them to our bishop. After this meeting, desiring all parishioners to peacefully embrace whatever name our bishop would choose, I decided to not share the names we submitted. I didn’t want people having favorites or forming opinions.
A few weeks ago we received the decree from our bishop revealing our new parish name: Most Holy Eucharist Parish. Honestly, I was excited, this was our top choice. We wanted our name to relate to our parish school, Corpus Christi, without causing confusion with other churches in the area like “historic” St. Patrick and St. Mary’s “on Jackson”. We also wanted our new parish name to provide a theme or saint that all could easily embrace. We thought if we can’t unite under the Most Holy Eucharist, what could we unite under? I understand that change is difficult and there will be much work to do by our staff and transition team to make this transition as smooth as possible. I ask that you pray for the grace to not only accept, but embrace our parish name. I am more convinced than ever that our parishes will be stronger together than apart, and ask for your prayers and support leading up to and after February 22, 2025 when our two parishes officially become one.
Lastly, I pray you all have a very blessed advent season as we spiritually prepare for our Lord’s coming. I encourage you to avail yourself to receive God’s abundant mercies in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Each area parish will be hosting Advent Penance Services on different nights to provide ample opportunities for the faithful to utilize this gift before Christmas. God bless.
In Christ,
Fr. Schultz
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