Update from the pastor to parish pastoral council 11 March 2004

Census 2004

                Response remains slow.

Parishes of the Archdiocese –reconfiguration

                As noted in the bulletin the parishes of this cluster met February 21^st with clergy, staff, pastoral council reps, and finance council reps of each parish (St. Anne, Littleton; St. Elizabeth, Acton/Boxborough; St. Brigid, Maynard; St. Isidore, Stow).  The parishes recognized the needs of the archdiocese and discerned the situation of the cluster area and recommended that there be no change in the parish alignments of this area.  That recommendation was passed on to the vicar of this vicariate, Fr. Mark Sheehan of Bedford.  By March 15^th he is to make a recommendation to the regional bishop of the Merrimack Region, Bishop Allué.  By March 24^th  Bishop Allué is to make a recommendation to the central committee.  (The names of the members of that committee should be announced within a week or two.)  Before the end of April their recommendation should be passed on to the Archbishop and to the Archdiocesan Presbyteral Council.  During the first two weeks of May pastors of impacted parishes will be notified and an archdiocesan wide announcement should be made in the later half of May.  Parishes that close will close in two, four or six months following the announcement.

Marriage Affirmation and Protection Amendment

                It has been a difficult time for all as this issue has been discussed.  Final voting may be done later today.

Organization and Leadership Training Center.

                The process noted last month continues and hopefully a clearer statement of direction and purpose will be given to the participating parishes before the summer.

Irish Night

                All set for Saturday the 13^th.

Clean up day

                A work day for general spring cleaning is be announced for April 3^rd.  Work details are being directed by Henry Vannasse

Generations of Faith

                On tonight’s agenda.

Newsletter

                The spring newsletter was mailed just before Ash Wednesday.

Lenten supper

                Friday April 2^nd.

Finances

                Response to the grand annual (over $12,000) suggests we will balance the books by the end of the fiscal year!

First Eucharist Retreat

                All set for Saturday March 27^th.