The Diocesan Reports on Our Parish

You recall that back in February Msgr. James McNamara, Bishop Murphy’s representative for the Central Vicariate of our diocese, visited our parish for two days and interviewed ministry leaders. Just before Easter I received his report to the bishop, and then a few days later Bishop Murphy’s comments on that report. I’ve sent the full texts to ministry leaders and to Parish Council and Finance Council members; Now on Pentecost Sunday I’d like to share with you some of the highlights of what they had to say.

First, from Msgr. McNamara:

• “[Ministry leaders] talked about the need for perseverance. It has been a difficult time. There was a lot of negative talk. … The parish seems to me to still be doing quite well. Those who stayed have
  turned it around.”
• “There is a core group of people who would do anything for the parish and they are involved in multiple ministries.”
• “Liturgies are prayerful. … People are passionate about their ministries. … I thought the liturgies were well done. The music was well done. The procedures for the Eucharistic Ministers were very orderly and the Lectors were well prepared.”
• “They are not at the point of being able to add staff at this point. But this should still be a goal as the parish recovers financially.”
• “In response to people wanting more spirituality [Msgr. McNamara here describes at length a renewal evening for EMHCs, and plans to expand this to other ministries. He concludes] “I highly recommend this.”
• [After a discussion of difficulties in access to the food pantry] “I recommend that consideration be given to moving the Food Pantry to a classroom in the Center.”

And from Bishop Murphy:

• “While he knows the parish well, Monsignor McNamara was the first to point out the many changes that have taken place in Our Lady of Grace Parish since the time of his being pastor there. That includes a growth in the parish and developments in recent years that are truly positive signs for today and for the future. This is not simply in the matter of the financial and administrative aspects of the parish which are positive. Even more one can point out the participation of the laity in the many activities of the parish and the leadership of the laity whether they are on the staff or volunteers.”
• “Among those things is what is referred to as ‘an uptick in attitude as well as in attendance.’ In addition the need for spirituality has grown in the life of the parish. I applaud you for that and I urge you to make that a centerpiece of the next years of your leadership.”
• “I am happy to see that [outreach to younger families] is part of the outlook and the activity of the leadership in your religious education program.”
• “I am especially pleased with the Director of Music and with the commitment of so many people who make the liturgy in fact the central part of our lives.”
• “I would like to associate myself with the recommendations which Monsignor McNamara left with you. I would add that it would be good to increase collaboration on the part of Our Lady of Grace Parish with those neighboring parishes within the deanery. … This is going to be in the next five years the central challenge of our pastoral efforts and it is one which I would commend to you in a particular way because I know you have certain gifts that will help move these important challenges forward.”
• “Please extend my best wishes to one and all and know that I am deeply grateful for the work that you … carry on for the People of God in Our Lady of Grace Parish in West Babylon. With my prayers and best wishes I am, sincerely yours in Christ, [signed] William Murphy, Bishop of Rockville Centre.”

My thanks, too, to all who made such a positive report on our parish possible. We have more to do, but we have begun! Until next week, peace.