Truth in Charity (September, 2024)

by Bishop Lawrence Persico
09/06/2024

a new era

As a result of pastoral planning changes that were implemented in the past several months, many people receiving this edition of Faith magazine are still in the early stages of getting to know new pastors, perhaps attending Sunday Mass in a new location or, in the case of pastors, still settling into a new rectory — if not a new town.

As someone who was called to an entirely new diocese just as I entered my 60s, I know first-hand that change comes with challenges. But given time, patience, prayer and sincere faith that God is with us in all things, it also brings growth, grace and great joy.

I’d like to offer a few practical tools that can be used for those who are navigating new realities in their parishes. These tools are pertinent even if your parish has not been part of a recent merger or partnership: those who live in larger towns may be noticing new visitors as people search for new parish communities.

I know our inboxes, mailboxes and minds are overloaded these days, so for those who still need a better understanding of why we are so involved with planning and change, all of the documents we created and shared on various platforms remain available at www.ErieRCD.org/planning.html. A good overview can be found in Building the future: A call to embrace renewal and restructuring in the Diocese of Erie, available under the “Letters from Bishop” tab.

The question before us now is, what can each of us do as we move forward?

Let me begin by saying I have been impressed by the efforts a number of parishes have made not only to show their appreciation for pastors who were headed to new parishes, but also to embrace the new pastors assigned to their communities. It’s also encouraging to see steps already being taken by parishioners in new situations to meet, to pray, to welcome and to dialogue with each other.

It might sound obvious, but one of the first things we need to do is to embrace a posture of welcome. This goes well beyond the ushers who may hand out hymnals or greet us at the door. Their work is important. But I’m referring to an inner attitude.

As parishes merge and partner, particular ministries may need to evolve. Festivals may have to be rethought. Perhaps choirs are merging. People who have run certain committees or societies for as long as anyone can remember may suddenly be asked to collaborate with others who have done the same in their former parishes. Members of pastoral and finance councils may be asked to adjust their terms, or even step aside to make room for others.

We are human, and it is only natural that our feelings can be hurt. But this is what I mean when I say that time, patience, prayer and sincere faith that God is with us, come into play. Defensiveness, anger and a sense of protecting our territory will not serve anyone well.

A new pastor will no doubt do some things differently than his predecessor. To people on both sides of that equation, I say: Honest, thoughtful conversation and a strong effort to communicate considerately go a long way. I know it is difficult for those who have to say goodbye to a beloved pastor. But we need to remember that priests are ordained in service to the diocese, not a particular parish. The Office of Clergy Personnel, the Priest Personnel Committee and I made our best effort — through a series of meetings together and with priests being asked to accept new assignments — to match each parish community with the man who has the skills and gifts needed at the moment. Please help make them feel comfortable in their new settings. And please pray in earnest for your pastor.

Some of you may not be aware of the unexpected death of Father Christopher Barnes, pastor of St. Titus Parish in Titusville, at the age of just 52 this spring. At his funeral, many people commented to me about the solemn need to pray for vocations.

I could not agree more. It has been a priority and a constant request on my part since my earliest days as bishop of this diocese. The need for vocations to the priesthood and religious life is a significant concern, and we have implemented several new initiatives to address it. But I cannot underscore strongly enough how it must be integrated into each of our lives. Vocations spring forth from families and communities, and so I ask:

What is your parish doing in this regard? Have you invited people to come in and pray on a particular Saturday morning? Have you added a special moment of prayer for vocations after weekend Masses for this purpose? Have you asked people to offer rosaries or holy hours for this purpose? What other ways might you actively address this need?

I offer these thoughts in the spirit of encouragement, in gratitude for your willingness to consider new paths, and with hope and faith in the future of our diocese.