Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

New Mass Schedule Starts November
Thank you again to all who participated in our discernment sessions and have shared their thoughts in person and/or through the surveys.  I have taken this especially into consideration.  Also, I noted the surrounding parishes’ Mass schedules and consulted with a number of our liturgical ministers as well as our parish staff.  You will note that the schedule is not only the Masses, but includes scheduled adoration time, confessions, and Faith Formation. 
I propose this new schedule to begin November 5th and that we examine its fruits over a three-month period (taking us through our parish feast day in January). 

4:30 Vigil Mass and 8am Mass will remain when they are.  The current 9:30 and 11:30 will combine into a 10:30am.  All St. Paul weekend Masses will continue to emphasize full and actual participation, which the Second Vatican Council called for. The current missal continues to emphasize this participation through the encouragement of chanting the Mass parts and fostering a deeper understanding of not only words but the rituals themselves. The 10:30 Mass will do this, while at the same time incorporating certain options from our Catholic Tradition that are consistent with the current Roman Missal, but perhaps not as commonly used.  Our 10:30 Mass will often include a broader use of the Latin language in the ordinary of the Mass while readings would always be in the vernacular.  A broader use of ad orientem worship, incense, and Gregorian chant will be implemented. 
There are of course more specifics to refine, and we will need a transition period since I, our liturgical ministers, and everyone who will attend the 10:30 must make some adjustments from what they are accustomed.  New Mass schedule will begin November 5^th.

In Between Time
Please note what follows will not begin until December 3^rd.
With this new schedule there is more “open time” to foster opportunities for formation, community, and deeper devotion.  For the time in between the two Masses, from 9:15-10:15 there will be a rotation.
First Sunday of the Month Eucharistic adoration will be available during which I will be in the confessional.
Second Sunday of the Month will have Adult Faith Formation (Coffee and Catechesis) in the PAC.  A schedule of topics will be published.
Third Sunday of the month is open to suggestion.  My thought here is to have something focused on outreach, works of mercy, perhaps youth focused?  I am open to thoughts and volunteers to step forward in being creative here.
Fourth Sunday of the month will be a “bye week” or perhaps another faith formation session focused on the liturgical season.

If there are folks who want to organize donuts after either or both the Masses, I welcome you to volunteer and contact the rectory. 

Keep in mind the phrase, “Blessed are the flexible, for they will not be bent out of shape.”  This is a unique time, but also a time of pastoral creativity as we journey together.  I appreciate everyone’s input and ask for your continued patience and understanding.

Church Consecration Day -
On October 26, 2023, we will have a special Mass and potluck in honor on the 20th anniversary of our St. Paul Church Consecration. The Mass will be at 5:30 p.m.  While the church building is still “relatively” new when compared to other churches, ours is still steeped in the history of a parish over 100 years old!

Voting No on November Issue 1
Thankfully our Bishop and the other bishops of Ohio have been clear with a moral imperative to vote NO on 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. 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