Parishioners assay status of tri-parish cooperation

Sister Margaret Walker, DC, parish life director of St. Patrick's, St. Casimir's and Our Lady of Angels' parishes in Albany, addressed those words to Catholics as they assessed their progress in maintaining the unique qualities of the three churches while working together.

The merger of the three parishes last year formed a new model of ministry in the Albany Diocese. More than 45 people gathered last week to report on the progress they have made in devising ways to maintain parish identity while building a spirit of community.

Working together

The proposal suggested that the three parishes could join resources to minister to each other and to the neighborhoods around the churches.

Sister Margaret as parish life director was supported on both a sacramental and pastoral basis by Franciscan priests, several of whom were already in ministry in the parishes, including Revs. Alvin Somerville, Paul Lininger and Joseph Angelini. In addition, parish staff and ministry leaders would continue to serve within their respective parishes.

Connecting

The committees include Faith Formation, Christian Service/Human Development, Rite for Christian Initiation of Adults, Neighborhood/Hospitality, Visiting of the Sick and Homebound, and Worship and Spirituality.

At the meeting, committee spokespersons reported on their efforts, goals and accomplishments. Dominick Pannone, a parishioner of St. Patrick's, encapsuled the thoughts of most representatives when he said: "A year ago, there was anger, frustration and a lot of questions. 'Where will we go [with this new model]?' we all asked ourselves.

"Now, I sense energy among us, an excitement that lends itself to growth and evangelization. The Church is not just the building we worship in; it's the community of the faithful, drawn together for each other. Today, I see a larger vision of what Church can be and what it means. One year later, I can honestly say that we, all of us, are the Church."

Committee reports

The remaining committees reported on:

* establishing identity with the West Hill/Arbor Hill community,

* addressing problems in the surrounding neighborhoods,

* discerning the needs of parishioners from all three parishes by recognizing and celebrating various ethnic and traditional rituals,

* promoting inclusivity, sharing resources and performing the Corporal Works of Mercy,

* increasing the music ministries and establishing a youth chorus,

* addressing social justice and human rights issues,

* developing the RCIA program,

* establishing a "special needs/emergency needs" program for those seeking emergency aid, such as food, clothing and shelter, and,

* coordinating services to the ill, homebound and those in nursing homes to keep them involved as much as possible in the life of the community.

Effectiveness

"I think we can be very effective as a larger community in Albany, but I don't want to see us lose our [individual parish] flavors," she said. "But God is in charge. It'll work!"

Deacon Angel Garcia, also from St. Patrick's, agreed, saying: "I have seen this program go fast and far. One year ago, we were just three separate parishes. Today, we are a community."

'Excited'

When he arrived in Albany from the Dominican Republic via New York City with his wife and children, he saw the need for change.

"When I first came here with my family, I could visualize this kind of a dream for the people in these neighborhoods: Everyone working together," he said. "Each parish had its own bonds: Polish, Spanish and Anglo heritages. Now that we are all together, I see my vision becoming a reality. It really is a wonderful thing!"

(09-26-02) [[In-content Ad]]