Earlier this year (2021), a transition team comprised of two representatives from each Parish Councils, along with members of the various parish staffs and pastoral teams have begun the work to assist in the creation of our Family of Parishes.

Our commitment is to keep you updated on the work and decisions that lie ahead. Each month we will give you an update in the form of a monthly newsletter in both languages which you'll find in our online bulletins. Stay connected by following our parishes on Facebook and Instagram, and check out our dedicated Family of Parish webpage (here!).

1. What is a family of parishes?
2. Why are we forming family of parishes?
3. What does it mean to be a mission-oriented parish?
4. How will this affect the lives of parishioners?
5. How will this affect the lives of priests?
6. Can I go to a different Mass at another church in our Family of Parishes?
7. How will parish finances be handled in a Family of Parishes?
8. If I am currently serving in my parish in some way, will I have to serve at all the parishes?
9. When will our Families of Parishes begin operating as such?
10. How are parishes preparing for the transition to a Family of Parishes?
11. How can I help in this process?

 

1. What is a family of parishes?
A grouping of 2 to 5 parishes lead by one single pastoral team that includes a pastor, possible associate pastors, deacons, pastoral & youth ministers, secretaries, etc. in order to bring the Gospel of Christ to all. As the name indicates, this is different than simply larger clusters or amalgamations of parishes. Like a family they will be characterized by close collaboration and sharing of resources for the common goal of being mission-oriented. Our own Family of Parishes will have one Pastor, two full-time associate pastors and one part-time associate pastor. The individual parish identities remain, but they work together under one name just like a family!

2. Why are we forming family of parishes?
The first reason is the most visible. We have a shortage of priests. In 1991, the Diocese of London had 178 active priests to serve our parishes. In 2025 we will have a projected number of 65 active priests, which means priests need to work in teams to cover the many churches in our Diocese. The second reason is less visible, but equally important. The parish structure that we have inherited was established for a culture that was Christian in its schedules, values and outlook on life. Our current culture around us is no longer Christian, which doesn’t meant that it is all bad, it simply means we need to re-structure for a new cultural reality that we are facing.

3. What does it mean to be a mission-oriented parish?
Our parish structures in our former Christian culture simply had to open their doors, announce their Mass times and people showed up! In this new cultural reality, we require a Church that doesn’t wait for people to come to her, but rather goes forth with new energy, sense of welcome, creativity and boldness to share the love of God with all, but especially to those in need.

4. How will this affect the lives of parishioners?
Parishioners will be called to live out their Baptism and to become missionary-disciples in their own walk of life. No longer will sharing the faith be the work of just the priests and those that work in the Church, but it will become everyone’s responsibility rooted in Baptism. There will also be adjustments to our Mass schedules, sacramental preparation and other ministries to reflect the needs of people today, instead of just saying “well, we have always done it this way!” Parishioners will also realize that they have a large parish team able to lead, accompany and empower everyone on their faith journey. Small parishes will be strengthened by the resources of larger ones, and larger parishes will be strengthened by the close bonds of faith and community life found in smaller parishes.

5. How will this affect the lives of priests?
Priests normally will reside together in a rectory and be nurtured by a common prayer life and mutual support. They will work as part of a larger parish team with deacons, lay ministers, secretaries and caretakers. The priests won’t have to shoulder the burden of running the parish and trying to be everything to everyone. Our priests will be jointly responsible for all parishes, so they will rotate to each parish regularly. If you don’t see one of our priests for a few weeks, it’s because they are ministering to other members of the family! With the help of the parish team, it is the goal to free up the priests for the work of ministry, and for the administrative aspects of the parish to be handled by competent lay people in such positions.

6. Can I go to a different Mass at another church in our Family of Parishes?
Of course!! As a Family of Parishes you may attend the Mass at the time and/or location of your choosing. True mission-oriented parishes are welcoming and inclusive by nature and a person will quickly feel at home at any of our Masses. For those who use offertory envelopes, your envelope will be forwarded to the parish that you choose to support.

7. How will parish finances be handled in a Family of Parishes?
Each parish within a Family will remain solely responsible for its own financial viability. This includes establishing appropriate parish budgets, coordinating parish fundraising, and controlling parish costs. There will be one finance council working for the Family of Parishes that consists of representatives from each individual parish. Parishes will share in the resources and costs on an equitable basis, which is based on the size of their parish population, ministry and outreach needs and other factors.

8. If I am currently serving in my parish in some way, will I have to serve at all the parishes?
Not unless you want to! If you are serving in a particular ministry or volunteering in a particular parish, you will not be expected to do so in all of the parishes of the family. Some people, however, in seeing the variety of ministry opportunities may choose to serve in different ways and at different parishes, but that decision is entirely up to them.

9. When will our Families of Parishes begin operating as such?
July 5, 2021 is our official start date as a family of parishes; however, just like any other undertaking and transition of this magnitude, it will probably take us a full year to implement all of the necessary changes to become more mission-oriented.

10. How are parishes preparing for the transition to a Family of Parishes?
The transition team is a consultative body for the Pastor. During the preparation and implementation phases, the transition team and parish staffs meet bi-weekly, and discuss the practical ways in which the clergy, staff and parishes will interact within the Family. The team also finalizes the new leadership structure, including items such as leadership teams, key staff mission, and administrative positions. Lastly, during these phases, each Family of Parishes will explore and establish any necessary changes to Mass schedules, confession schedules, etc. This process is rooted in prayer, respectful of building relationships with one another, and with a desire to reach the greatest consensus possible in the decision making process.

11. How can I help in this process?
First of all, your prayers are crucial. Ultimately, true change and renewal is always the work of the Holy Spirit, and we need to call upon God’s grace to guide and bring us clear vision in our discernment. Second, share words of encouragement and positive suggestions with the parish staff and transition team. The work of renewal is also stressful on a human level. Finally, be open to the new possibilities that the Family of Parishes can bring to our communities and to the many who are seeking for meaning in their lives. A mission-oriented parish that can respond to the needs of people today can be a shining light and a beacon of hope to all.