Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you for your Participation
Thank you to all who participated in our discernment sessions last week.  Your prayer, comments, and suggestions are very helpful in how we will adjust to a new weekend schedule in the near future.  At the time of this writing, the discernment sessions are still being concluded. I hope to have a survey available this weekend (if not this, then next weekend) with some concrete options for what a new Mass schedule will look like along with suggestions for “extracurriculars” like faith formation and adoration. Please take time to think and pray over it. Your input is very important as we take the next steps. 
Even with these surveys, and with the 9:30 Mass definitely not being available here after November 1, this does not mean we have to have a final solution by that time.  Similar to what we did last time we changed the schedule, we did a trial run. I foresee us experimenting a bit before locking in anything new.


This goes for us as individuals as well.  Some have asked me if one could be a parishioner here but still regularly attend an EF Mass somewhere else. Perhaps this is a bit outside the norm, but this is a unique situation.  If that is what you want to do then great.  Perhaps for some, there will be more fluidity in their parish engagement.  In my experience as a priest that flexibility has been going on for years all over the place, whether it be people’s requirements for Mass times or being involved with particular ministries that are unique to a different parish from where they may live.  Often restrictions can breed creativity. There may be some unique solutions that come from situation.

I also want to thank everyone for being good Christians (regardless of what Mass one attends) as we navigate these waters. For many this is extremely difficult and confusing. I have witnessed many parishioners showing patience, compassion, and charity.  When it comes to the different Mass forms, or different schools of spirituality, we remember we are all brothers and sisters in our Catholic Faith. During this time, in order to continue growing in understanding, I repeat my invitation from years ago: whichever Form one normally attends, make the effort to participate at the other form. Meet new people who are engaged at our parish and be open to how God may be blessing and challenging us to grow in holiness.

Voting No on November Issue 1
With the concerns about our schedule, we must not forget what is going on around us.  Back in July, I mentioned the August issue, which resulted in our now having to really push to get the vote out for this November.  I will write and preach more on this very soon, but following the example of our Bishop and the other bishops of Ohio, there is a moral imperative to vote NO in Issue 1 in November.  The proposed amendment is directly contrary to catholic social teaching on life, rights of parents, and the freedom of conscience for medical professionals.  Unlike political elections, when the church does not officially endorse or denounce particular candidates, the church can speak directly on issues such as this especially when they threaten fundamental rights given by God. Thanks to a faithful parishioner, Issue One yard signs are available in the narthex for you to take home. Please continue to learn about the importance of this issue and spread the word to vote no on issue one.

In the meantime, please feel free to contact me with your prayerfully discerned thoughts and suggestions.

Sincerely in Christ,
Fr. Pfr