Fr. Simon's Letter - April 3, 2022

This past week, together with the pastor of St. Mary of the Woods and a member of each parish from the Grouping Feedback and Discernment Team (GFDT), we presented our report to the executive committee of the archdiocesan Renew My Church team. This team includes Bishop Casey, the vicar general of the archdiocese, Vicar for Vicariate II Bishop Bartosic, the Cardinal’s liaison for Renew My Church Fr. Jason Malave, Chief Operating Officer of the Archdiocese Betsy Bohlen, Chief Strategy Officer Cliff Barber and Superintendent of the Office of Catholic Schools Greg Richmond.

The report included the deliberations of the GFDT by each parish, Queen of All Saints and Saint Mary of the Woods, on the strengths and challenges of our two parishes as a community, a community that is vibrant and celebrates and lives its faith with an emphasis on the evangelizing mission in which we collectively take part. We also raised the executive committee’s awareness of the collaboration between our parish ministries in their effort to be effective and responsible stewards of the resources with which we are blest. Finally, the report addresses areas in need of attention, in some cases immediate action, others as long-term goals. I encourage you to read the report. It can be found on our parish website under the Renew My Church button. 

This report serves as a launchpad towards the next phase of the Renew My Church process, which is ‘Building the New Reality.’ This is a long and thoughtfully drawn-out phase that will assist us as we plan and execute strategies and programs to make disciples, build communities and inspire witness. As we prepare to enter this phase of Renew My Church, please continue to hold all members of our faith community - the parishioners of Saint Mary of the Woods and our parishioners at Queen of All Saints - in your prayers and please consider how you can be a part of this renewal process.

This past week the UPP Committee hosted the sold out “Brunch and Dinner at Stefani Prime” events. It was a joy to see parishioners of all age groups come together to celebrate families and our community. A big “THANK YOU” for your support of this event and to all who helped make it happen and be such a success. 

Our next and main event is the Gala on Friday, May 13 at Chateau Ritz. Many have asked me why we are not having the tent this year. As a result of inflation and a shortage of labor, the cost of hosting the event under the tent in the shadows of the basilica has increased exponentially. As responsible stewards, we had to make the difficult decision to host this year’s gathering off-site. We expect this event to be just as special as those in years past but this time our beautiful basilica will not be joining us.

In many ways the UPP Gala at Chateau Ritz will have our usual fare. Stefani’s will cater the sit-down dinner, which will include hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer. “Spoken-Four” is once again the band that will regale us with music. We will again have the live auction, raffle-draw, “Raise the Paddle,” and many more ways for you to take part in support of our parish. Since we will be off-site, for your convenience and to make it easier for you to attend the event there will be shuttles that evening from and to the QAS parking lot.

By now you should have received your invitation in the mail. Please send in your RSVP at your earliest convenience. You may also want to purchase your raffle tickets early so that you are eligible to be in the next early bird drawing on April 8. Thank you for your continued and generous support of our United Parish Program.

Blessings!!