Master Pastoral Planning Process
Follow-Up to Parish Convocation of April 18, 2010
My dear parishioners,
Thanks to all who participated in the recent Parish Convocation. The purpose of this gathering was to bring the community up-to-date on the planning process itself and share a variety of perspectives on the emerging needs of our parish and school. While many wanted to talk about the actual campus plan, we needed first to catch folks up to what this planning process is all about. There will be more opportunities for sharing ideas and providing feedback as the process now focuses on how best to meet the needs we have identified and how we can use our parish and school resources as effectively and efficiently as possible.
I am very grateful for the many generations who have gone before us who through their sacrifices of time and money have bestowed on us a solid school building from the 1940’s, a beautiful church from the 1950’s, and a community center from the 1990’s. We are the beneficiaries of their vision and generosity. Now, as then, every resource we have as individuals and as a parish community – physical and spiritual – is entrusted to us by God to improve the lives of others.
For our present planning process, I am particularly sensitive to the experience of those in our community who labored with love to help create the community center. It is an important resource for our community and all of us should be grateful to those who planned and supported this first addition to our campus since the church was completed in 1959. The community center has been an essential part of our campus and has had to adapt as we have grown, needs have changed, and laws concerning the safety of children have been enacted.
Members of that planning committee have shared their thoughts, concerns, and, indeed, fears about the future use of the community center. I do hear their concerns and appreciate all they did for St. Theresa in building the community center for parish and school use. I understand the community center included elements that would allow for future adaptation as needs changed and money became available. Hidden structural support, additional plumbing, zoned HVAC, and a steel truss are among items that our architects will take into consideration in the master plan design and balance with other possible uses of this and every other community resource entrusted to us.
St. Theresa now moves forward by reviewing the campus master plan with the ideas and fundraising estimates shared during the feasibility study. We will prioritize our needs and develop a phased plan to meet the needs of the entire St. Theresa parish and school community. We will soon present the plan for your review and feedback. Please join your prayers to mine in asking the Lord to help us place in His service and the service of others all that we are and have for the good of all.
With every good wish,
Father Phil