Update from the pastor to parish pastoral council 13 January 2005

Reconfiguration

            The teams of St. Isidore and St.. Michael met on January 3^rd.  The meeting explored the concepts of “worship site” and “Catholic presence to the community.  Accented were liturgical worship, relational activity to the civic and ecumenical elements of the town, outreach to the poor, the youth, the seniors, religious education, etc.  It was recognized that in the end product there would be one parish, albeit some sub activity in the several worship sites (St. Michael Church, Christ the King Chapel, St. Isidore Church.)

            A subcommittee on religious education was asked to begin reflecting on the tasks to be faced in this area; they will be reporting to the transition team February 2^nd.

            Tuesday January 4^th Fr. Butler and Fr. Carreiro met with Bishop Lennon.  We noted that the town of Stow continues to grow modestly but steadily, noting, for example, that new residents of the Faxon Farms development are registering and that the 125 acres on Boxboro Road to be developed should be more detailed before long.  We noted the mixed signals of families of high school families – some going to Bolton, others to Hudson with the confirmation program.  We spoke of the June 1^st suggested date.  I noted that the impact of all of this on Fr. Carreiro, along with the challenge of meeting school department requests of budgets etc. seemed overwhelming; I offered a willingness to delay – even to June 2006 – if the task seemed to jeopardize his health.  Bishop Lennon thanked us for the meeting and indicated he would be in touch.

Lessons and Carols

            Very successful!

Generations of Faith

            Generations of Faith will resume after the Christmas season with meetings January 21^st and 23^rd.

Ice Cream Social

                January 28^th.

Lent

                We are planning encouragement of the small faith group sessions promoted two years ago.

Reconciliation

                First Penance is scheduled for January 29^th.

Annual Collection

            Scheduled for February 20^th.