Dear brothers and sisters,
I can’t believe it is June already. It is so nice to have warm weather again. This week I wanted to give you an update on the progress we are making with Faith in our Future. The Cohort Suggestion Phase of the Faith-in-Our-Future program is completed with our Parish Cohort partners at Ascension (Bradley Beach), Mother of Mercy (Asbury Park), and St. Anselm’s (Wayside). In order to strengthen and build our ministries in a concerted spirit and model of collaboration across our Cohort, we have made suggestions in the following eight (8) areas (and answered the 5 goals of the program as defined by Bishop O’Connell):
- Creation of a Cohort matrix as a reference for our parishioners that lists components of Sacramental and Communal Life as well as Evangelization and Catechesis.
- Collaboration, development, and expansion of Youth Programs involving sports, music, retreats, social events, and a Live Christ/Share Christ catechesis, to name a few.
- Faith Formation (RCIA, CCD) assistance as needed and/or expansion across the Cohort.
- Pre-Cana assistance as needed and/or expansion across the Cohort.
- A spirit of “welcoming” of all socio-groups in line with Pope Francis’ recent announcements.
- Priests/Deacons participating in Masses and sharing expertise at Cohort churches.
- Cross-Cohort advertising of each Cohort parish’s social, community, and faith formation events.
- Structured and expanded assistance at Jersey Shore University Medical Center as well as nursing homes and other ill/homebound.
It has been great to share in the inter-parish dialogue and to see our hard work coming together. I am so proud of our Holy Innocents team of Miss Mary Chabala, Mrs. Pat Riordan and Mr. Anthony Scotto.
Peace,
Fr. Mike