February 15, 2007

“Authors of Change: A New Vision and A New Chapter for the Diocese of Buffalo” is topic for Parish Study Day

The Diocesan “Journey in Faith and Grace” has reflected the central experience of Christians throughout the centuries – one of dying and rising. Throughout the past year and a half parishes and schools have worked to create a new vision and write a new chapter for the viability of the local church. This experience of dying and rising has and will continue to permeate the process.

On Thursday, March 22, the Office of Church Ministry and Christ the King Seminary will co-sponsor their annual parish study day for parish staffs and any interested parishioners. Beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., the day is designed to address this central experience of dying and rising by reviewing the mission of the church, examining successful models of change in parish life, learning strategies to help parish communities embrace change, discovering the pleasant surprises and ongoing struggles associated with parish reorganization, helping parishioners remain “pumped-up” for ministry during this time and looking at the new role of pastoral administrator.

Father Kevin M. McDonough, J.C.D., who is vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, will be the keynote speaker. Father McDonough has been engaged in the efforts of reorganization within his own archdiocese and is a frequent speaker about theological, administrative and church vocation issues. There will be ample opportunity for questions and table discussion facilitated by Beth Lenegan, Ph.D., who is Director of Pastoral Care at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Dr. Lenegan has been involved in the “Journey in Faith and Grace” as the presenter in training sessions to help parish leaders recognize and understand the feelings of parishioners during this time of transition.

In the afternoon, a panel that will focus on “The Experience of Change in the Diocese of Rochester” will include Father Michael Mayer, pastor of St. Andrew and the Church of the Annunciation in Rochester; Charlotte Bruney, pastoral administrator of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Churchville; and Sister Doreen Glynn, C.S.J., pastoral administrator of St. Mary of the Lake Church in Ontario, N.Y. These leaders in parish ministry will share their experiences of change, of the role of pastoral administrator, and answer questions.

Priests, deacons, religious, laity, staff members, and interested parishioners are invited to register for the day by calling the Office of Church Ministry at 847-5531 before March 12. The cost of this study day, which includes lunch and coffee break, is $20 per person for groups of three or more from a parish, school, agency, and for students of Christ the King Seminary. Individual registrations are $25.

More information on the Study Day is also available on the Diocesan Web page at www.buffalodiocese.org/ministry/studyday.htm

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