CREATIVE RESPONSES: When times change, so do solutions

For the past several years, The Evangelist has carried dozens of articles about how the Albany Diocese is responding to the changing needs of Catholics, the changing reality of priestly vocations and the changing profile of the Diocese.

At both the diocesan and parish level, Catholics have been assiduously planning so as not to be caught unawares and unprepared for what the future brings. The front page this week contains an excellent example of that theory put into practice.

Last year, due to rising expenses and a dwindling populace that had moved to the suburbs, Our Lady Help of Christians parish in Albany's South End closed. Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, however, recognized the importance of maintaining a Catholic presence in the area. If the financial and personnel resources no longer existed to support a full parish in the neighborhood, he said, something creative could take its place, so he appointed a task force to come up with a solution.

The result is the Mother Teresa Community, a combined venture of diocesan Catholic Charities and Rev. Peter Young's Altamont Program. The project involves several elements, including an after-school program for kids, assistance for adults, social services and liturgies.

We refer readers to the story on page 1 for more details about one way an ancient Church is responding to modern needs.

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