A Challenge for St. E's ~ by Phyllis Booth

Last Saturday's retreat showed how spiritual our parish members are; we're a great family. Reflecting on the day, I'm proud of being a member. We have faced many challenges during the past year. The greatest challenge is accepting responsibility to keep our priest and to remain a viable force in Highland Park.

This old lady feels we need to take on three other steps immediately. First, supporting our representatives on the Diocesan Planning Committee. Why do I think this way? Our parish knows what it's like to have a pastor, a coordinator, being a part of a cluster of parishes, and having an administrator. This is the perfect time to relate our ideas to Barbara Vaughan and Frances Pope on what works and what is needed to keep the Catholic Faith alive and possibly, keep our church open.

The second step is empowering members to take part in the Pastoral Ministry Leadership Formation Program (PMLF) in our diocese. Do you recall the old Ministries Formation Program (MFP) several members were a part of during Fr. Mike's tenure? Well, this is another opportunity for lay people to be a participant in an area of focus such as Liturgy, Pastoral Ministry, Catechetics, Youth Ministry or Business; as well as academic formation of the Catholic Faith. There is a shortage of priests and lay help will be needed in each parish. The diocese wants trained help in each parish. Are we up to this challenge?

The third step is training our children in the Catholic Faith. They are the future of our parish. We must teach them ourselves and give them experiences that will keep them in the Church. This cannot be done without catechists (teachers). At the present time, St. Elizabeth has no one certified to do the Pathways Program. We must pray for persons to commit to the training and serve while taking the course. Catechists are needed for the sacramental program, Confirmation, RCIA and Adult Education.

I'm concerned that we are satisfied with just Sunday and Wednesday Mass. We need to evangelize starting with the children of our parish.

These are my thoughts and concerns. I don't know how long I'll be able to serve in any capacity. What do you think of my concerns? Do you have any solutions?