Now that school is out and we are approaching mid-June, the pace around the parish grounds do slow down a bit. I pray that we all have a relaxing summer. Below is a letter from our Parish Pastoral Council regarding transitions. As you know, we are always involved in transitions in our life, but this year St. Hubert Parish is experiencing some additional transitions.
On Sunday, June 25, at the 9:00 Mass, we will thank God for the services of Yvonne Cassa as Coordinator of Liturgy for the last 20 years; for Vito DeFrisco for serving as principal of our school for the last 11 years, and Marcia Larson for serving as Assistant Principal for the last 7 years. I invite you and your families to join us for this Mass followed by a reception in the lower church. I hope to see you there.
Rev. Robert C. Rizzo
TRANSITION: FROM ENDINGS TO BEGINNINGS
Every year, parishes across the country experience pastor transitions. In some dioceses, pastors are moved after six or twelve-year terms. Some retire. Others are reassigned for a variety of reasons. No matter the reason for the transition, this change naturally affects the life of the parish.
Changes in other areas of ministry are also common and are not exclusive to only the change in pastor. Here at St. Hubert, we’ve already experienced the transition of our Director of Music, our School Principal and very soon, our Director of Liturgy. For a number of years, we have been blessed to have a dedicated staff whose ministry inspires much gratitude, and we pray that the new leadership will find welcome here and continue to witness to God’s love.
Although change is inevitable, our spiritual health can be impacted by the way we individually approach the changes. The Parish Pastoral Council is actively working to find ways to positively impact the transitions. Using tools like Navigating Pastoral Transitions, we will recommend some activities to guide us along our way.
What can you do as a parishioner? First, be patient, realizing everyone handles change in their own way. Passions may run high. Anxieties may surface. Some people will be excited. Others may disappear for a time while they determine their feelings about the new leadership. This is all part of the process; allow it to happen.
Here are a few steps you can try:
· Keep an open mind. Don’t be afraid of your emotions. Encourage yourself to ask questions.
· Don’t say good bye too quickly. Savor what was.
· Don’t spend time criticizing the past.
· Ask yourself; “What is really important to me that I hope the parish will maintain?”
· How am I reacting publicly to the change?
· Avoid negative parking lot conversations.
· How am I caring for those around me?
· Evaluate your role in the parish.
· Look at your strengths and gifts. Are there ways in which you can help?
Watch for future messages from the PPC related to transition plans. You can also contact us directly by email;
PPC@sainthubert.org.