While Canon Law, the code of laws governing the Church, does not require a census be taken, and while the automobile has given the typical Catholic Mass-goer the freedom to select a parish of their choice—one that is welcoming through a “decent” homily, good, sacred music, and with warm and
friendly people, the question still arises, “do we need a census?”
The theological answer might be “no, not really” as the census questions have nothing to do with the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, thus our discipleship and salvation. No argument there. However, the practical answer—the answer that impacts the world in which we human beings reside—
is a definite “Yes."
Why does it matter if the folks sitting in the pews are registered or not?
Honestly, it‟s all about limited resources and future allocations. As fewer priests (at least for the time being, as the numbers of seminarians is actually up in the Archdiocese of Hartford) are available for parish (sacramental) ministry, the Church must look at the big picture when deciding where to
place the ordained. Not only is it a question of where to send someone, but it is also a question of who to send—a younger, more energetic priest or a wise and more seasoned priest, perhaps someone closer to “retirement.” The secondary question asked must be “does the parish need to exist (many older cities, like Dorchester, Mass and Waterbury, Conn, have multiple Catholic parishes, 10 and 17 Catholic parishes respectively in the aforementioned cities)?”
When a parish is alive and well, growing and vibrant, it sends a strong signal to the (arch) diocese about its future and its place in the continuum of the mission and ministry of Christ. Additionally, when we have accurate and solid numbers, a parish can effectively plan for the future: how many students it will have for future religious education classes—and how many teachers it will need; what types of youth ministry programs are needed; how many volunteers are required, and which outreach programs and ministries does our local area need? We cannot do that, at least not effectively, without some
data—who is here, how many attend, what does the future look like as a parking lot goes, or more meeting space, or even parish volunteers and personnel.
As the archdiocese begins to look at where people attend Mass and which parishes are growing, as it looks to determine the distribution of priests, full or part-time, it only makes sense that we illustrate how well we are doing as a growing and vibrant parish.
Who should register? If you…
- regularly attend Mass here at Saint Catherine of Siena;
- If your family dynamics have changed (increased number of children, death of a spouse or a re-marriage);
- If your children participate in our religious education classes or youth ministry program; and,
- Even…if you are registered in another parish but you find yourself drawn here by the music, the celebration of the Mass, and the welcoming people—then you should register.
And it is easy. Like Rockville Bank, we will do the work for you. Fill out the census card and let Saint Catherine do the rest. We will inform your old parish that you have registered here. No problem. No questions asked.
I hope you will consider how important it is to register in our parish as it relates to the ongoing growth and dynamic life of this Catholic community. If it is important enough for you to be with us, we are confident you will agree it is important enough to make it “official.” Thank you from us all.
Work On the Parish Building & Grounds
I met last week with Mike Grappone, our facilities manager, and Andy Zajak, Catholic Mutual‟s Representative for the Archdiocese of Hartford, regarding the flooding in the rectory basement
and the leaks in the addition to the Church. As you might have heard, the rectory basement, which at one time was the parish office, was transformed into “Lake Saint Catherine” with more
than 9 inches of ground water during the last two heavy rain storms and subsequent snow melt. The water damage was fairly extensive requiring all of the wood paneling and insulation to be
removed, cracks to be re-sealed, and floating objects to be collected and thrown out, those that were damaged. The water also caused the hot water heater, the furnace, and the relatively new
washer and dryer to require service. In the Church, the heavy snows and ice build-up on the roof where the Church and the atrium meet caused water to back-up and leak into the atrium near
the far left exit doors. This has happened before. The good news is that all the damage in both the rectory basement and in the church is covered by our property insurance and we will be reimbursed
for all expenses. Additionally, the rectory basement is cleaned, and all the old paneling and other out-dated items are gone and now we are just waiting for the dampness to “air out.”
Roof repairs. You might have noticed this week the work being done on the roof over the vestibule and far right side of the church. This is the last phase of the replacement of shingles,
some wood support, and other incidentals. With this project ended, the church‟s roof should be in good shape for a long time to come. We are also looking into ways to prevent the ice build up
in the peaks and valleys, should future winters be as horrible as this past winter (it is nice to say “past winter!”).
Sacristy upgrade work to repair the dripping sink, replace the broken water heater, and to install some much needed storage area are all complete and things look great and are functional in there.
Your support of the Repair and Refurbishment Collection makes all this work not only possible but timely. Thank you!!!
The Building & Grounds Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, March 30th, at 7PM in the library to consider additional and ongoing needs. I appreciate the expertise and assistance of the members of this Committee, and the leadership of Tony Drapelick. If you would like to be involved in overseeing the care for our property or if you have expertise you would like to offer, feel free to join this Committee—come to the meeting or call the parish office at 860.658.1642.
PEACE
