PASTORAL PLANNING PROCESS

Two lay representatives and one priest from each of the eight Catholic parishes in Fitchburg met on Wednesday, June 17 to begin the process of making recommendations for the future of the Catholic Church in Fitchburg.

The meeting was facilitated by Liz Marcil, Director of the Diocesan Office for Religious Education and chair of the Pastoral Planning Committee, assisted by Msgr. Michael Foley of St. Luke's Parish in Westboro, Ray Delisle, Director of the Communications Office for the Diocese, and Jim Frazier of the Pastoral Planning Committee.

The two hour session was a "gap exercise," establishing what is the "gap" between what the Catholic presence in Fitchburg is today and what it will be in the future.

Currently, there are 8 parishes, 2 elementary schools, 2 pre-schools, 2 cemeteries, 1 high school, 1 day care center and 1 Newman Apostolate (at Fitchburg State College).

In the future, there will be (approximately) 4 parishes. How can we maintain and enhance our ministries with fewer parishes? That is the "gap" we are dealing with.

We will meet again on July 15 to continue our discussions. Your input is always appreciated. Contact either of our parish representatives (Rosalyn Piro and John Zarrella) or Father Bob.