Facilities Planning for Parish Growth
to support our mission as faith-filled stewards in our community
Parish Growth is a result of our Baptismal Calling
Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. -- Matthew 28:19-20a
New Facilities for our Growing Parish
Growing in the Grace of the Eucharist
In the last couple of weeks, I’ve been discussing an undertaking that we began about six years ago … one that we must revisit now given that our parish is blessed with more than 1,000 family households and our need to continue welcoming an increasing number of faithful. Just as our predecessors in the parish planned 25 years ago in preparation for what we are facing now, so too we must do likewise to be good stewards in accommodating our needs now and in the future!
I recognize that many parishioners, especially those who have arrived in the last couple of years, may not be aware of the previous work done to plan for the growth. Over the next few months you can expect to see information via the bulletin, website, posters, small groups, etc. to provide you with a basic overview.
Laying the Foundation
Since Pender County’s population has grown 16.8% in 2010-2017, my predecessor, Father John Durbin, approached the Diocese about building new facilities on our existing Hampstead land. There were initial discussions and our Bishop looked favorably at expanding and improving our parish infrastructure. Those initial discussions resulted in a basic site plan approved by the Diocese consisting of: (1) a new church; (2) a new education and administration building; and (3) repurposing the current church into a hall for social and other events.
Vision, Organization, and Involvement
Vision, organization, and community involvement are integral elements to any development project such as the one we are embarking upon. Our vision is rooted in our mission and in the good work done six years ago by those who preceded us. They provided us with the framework for a sanctuary, multipurpose facility, and a social facility where our vibrant community can worship, grow in faith, and gather as a community in Christ. We endeavor to move this vision towards reality.
Renewing the Effort and Priorities with Your Help
I’ve established a new facilities team to advise me and the Parish Pastoral and Finance Councils. At this point, I’ve asked them to validate the facility requirements and priorities developed during our initial effort six years ago and to decide how best to phase in the new facilities. To do that, we need your valuable feedback, so we will be putting out surveys in a variety of formats over the next few months to gather your thoughts and input. We encourage you to have your voices heard via these surveys.
Prayerful Planning
Our Pastoral Council is focused on this project and has a committee advising it on the myriad of details needed to move the project forward. We are organized, but need the time, talents, and treasure of our whole community to ensure that we make the best decisions that will support us into the future.
In the coming months we will be reaching out to ask for your assistance. Please pray and spend time in thoughtful consideration on how you might be able to make a contribution as you learn more about your new and repurposed parish infrastructure.
We hope very much to build a "consensus of excitement" on the future of our parish. Together we can grow in the Grace of the Eucharist!
Msgr. Joseph
Faith • Stewards • Community • Nourish • Grow • Share
Frequently Asked Questions about New Facilities <<click to read
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Prayer to Help Us Build Communities in God's Vision of Justice:
Holy Spirit,
We praise and thank you!
You anoint us to
bring glad tidings to the poor
proclaim liberty to captives
recover sight for the blind
free the oppressed
and build communities in keeping
with God's vision of justice.
Show us how to be
light of the world
salt of the earth
seeds that sprout love
and leaven that infuses humanity
with the desire to promote
human dignity and solidarity.
Help us to listen so that
those in poverty can lead our efforts to proclaim a more hopeful vision
liberate captives from injustice
heal the blindness of the powerful
free us all from self-centeredness
and build community to overcome poverty.
Amen.
Source: usccb.org
