Beloved Family:
One of my favorites among “local spots” in Wooster is the Secrest Arboretum. Over the years, I have taken many a walk on its grounds, marking the beauty of various seasons. Indeed, there is a spot on the campus, from which one can see the golden dome of Saint Mary in the distance, standing out clearly among other structures. I relish taking in that perspective.
At the arboretum, alongside trees registering many years of growth are much more recently planted specimens. The former reflect maturity; the latter, the promise of growth to come. They beautifully complement each other in the landscape. Together, they ensure continuity. I believe this serves as an image of the parish of Saint Mary. Among us are families who have lived the totality of many years as parishioners, as well as individuals who have come into the community much more recently. We are enriched by this diversity. Together, we commit to sustaining and expanding the life of the parish.
In that spirit, this weekend marks the public kickoff of the Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future campaign, an initiative of our diocesan shepherd, Bishop Edward Malesic. A natural companion piece to his pastoral letter, A Flourishing Apostolic Church, this effort is designed to support ministries at the diocesan level as well as providing resources right here at Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception. Over the last several months, members of our pastoral team, the parish Pastoral Council and the parish Finance Council have been introduced to its specific objectives and plans. Fr. David and I have had the privilege of sitting down with a number of our parish families in conversation; this has been humbling and inspiring, to hear people express their love for Christ, for the Church and for the community here. Those conversations will continue to take place.
Now, it is time to widen the loop of communication, so that ultimately all members of the parish have an opportunity to learn about and support this effort. To that end, after the 8 am and 11 am Masses this weekend, you are invited to a town hall gathering downstairs in the parish hall. A brief presentation will be made, followed by a question-and-answer period. Communications will also be sent out to our households, beginning this coming week.
Saint Mary is a very generous community. I want to acknowledge that already, individuals and families give of themselves tremendously. On virtually any given day—not in the least limited to weekends— one can witness many hands engaging in the work of the mission entrusted to us by Christ. Materially, we give through weekly offertory. We give through the Catholic Charities Appeal—thank you
for your sustained generosity in that effort this year. We give by sharing our time, service, compassion, and presence. While not as obviously an “activity,” the cumulative hours of Eucharistic adoration—
prayer offered before the Blessed Sacrament— registered over the last decade and even prior, no doubt, have contributed to the spiritual health of the community.
In many ways, then, while the Called to Flourish: Our Church for the Future campaign is a new development, it essentially represents the next chapter of an ongoing legacy of life within the Diocese of Cleveland and Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish. Fr. David and I are amazingly privileged to serve among the people here. Please join us in praying for the fruitfulness of this effort.
It is most fitting to close this message with a quotation from Bishop Malesic, himself:
This campaign is about drawing hearts to Christ and helping everyone encounter Him in a transformative way. I invite you to join me in this effort with your prayers, witness and sacrificial generosity so that the Church in Northeast Ohio may grow stronger and more vibrant for generations to come.
Let His Peace be with you,
Fr. Stephen
