Parishioners at Holy Redeemer and the Church of St. Peter received a letter from Archbishop Harry Flynn in April notifying both communities of his decision to merge to the communities into one parish. “After prayer and careful thought, I believe this parish merger best serves the future needs of both parish communities,” wrote Archbishop Flynn. “I believe this merger best utilizes precious resources and enables more effective use of them to meet the multifaceted mission entrusted to both parishes.”

“Each parish community will bring unique gifts, ministries, and charisms to the merged parish that will no doubt enrich all parishioners,” wrote Archbishop Flynn. “Furthermore, combining the resources, ministries, and talents of two communities can increase ministerial capacity and better serve parishioners.”

Although the news was met with shock by some and for others it was not so unexpected, the news of the merging of St. Peter and Holy Redeemer represents coming change in the lives of parishioners from both communities. “This is a change that some parishioners from each community do not like,” wrote Fr. Griffith in his Bulletin column the weekend of April 28-29, “Change is often difficult for most folks because it involves the unknown.”

The communities hosted an informational meeting at Holy Redeemer Parish on Saturday, April 28. The parishioners of Holy Redeemer and St. Peter, allowed a forum for parishioners to ask questions and express their concerns about the merger. Fr. Kevin McDonough, Vicar-General of the Archdiocese and Pastor of St. Peter Clavier parish, explained the merger from the Archdiocesan perspective stressing his responsibility to the future needs of the church “when we are all gone.” Fr. McDonough emphasized the Archbishop’s desire to work with local communities and their needs for a community-based transition plan.

“Each parish community will bring unique gifts, ministries, and charisms to the merged parish that will no doubt enrich all parishioners,” wrote Archbishop Flynn. “Furthermore, combining the resources, ministries, and talents of two communities can increase ministerial capacity and better serve parishioners.”
Archbishop Flynn encouraged members of both parishes to “work together to ensure the process of uniting the parishes is respectful, open and thoughtful.” In response to the Archbishop’s desire, another community meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 23 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Church of St. Peter. This meeting will include additional information on the merger and will introduce the Strategic Planning Committee charged with identifying and working on the transition.

Members of the Strategic Planning Committee are:
Terry Furlong, Church of St. Peter Trustee, Craig Dansky, Jane Hepp and Laura Wegner.

“As Christians we are called to approach change in a way that marks our trust and faith in God,” said Father Griffith. As Christians we must be people of love, hope, patience and joy. The changes and transitions that we experience as Christians must be met with a strong faith which is put into practice.

“As we approach the transition and process of Holy Redeemer and St. Peter becoming one parish, I ask all of us to keep an open mind and heart, and to treat parishioners and staff of both parishes with dignity and respect.”