New Year, New Chapter – Building our Parish Family Together
Dear Parish Family,
Peace be with you for a Happy New Year!
As we continue to journey together through the Partners in the Gospel initiative, I want to
express my deep gratitude for your faith, dedication, and active participation in our vibrant
parish communities. Together, we are responding to the call to strengthen our mission and
embrace the opportunities that this initiative offers.
One important step in this journey is the formation of a Parish Family Advisory Council
(PFAC) for our Parish Family of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, and St. Anne.
The PFAC will play a vital role in guiding and supporting our parish family as we transition
into a new model of collaboration and shared ministry.
Purpose of the Parish Family Advisory Council
The PFAC will serve as an advisory body to me, the pastor, and to our parish leadership
team. Its primary purpose is to:
– Help discern and develop a pastoral plan for our becoming one canonical parish
while maintaining and celebrating the unique charisms of each parish community.
– Foster open communication and collaboration among the three parishes in our
family.
– Provide feedback and guidance on how best to integrate our ministries, resources,
and pastoral activities.
– Ensure that the unique gifts and traditions of each parish are valued and celebrated
while working toward a unified mission.
– Address concerns and challenges that arise during this transition process, helping
to ensure that it is as smooth and prayerful as possible.
Composition of the PFAC
The PFAC will consist of 3-4 representatives from each of our three parishes. These
members will include parishioners who are committed to the success of our parish family.
To this end, we are seeking individuals who are:
– Confirmed, practicing Catholics of good sacramental standing in the Church.
– Active and engaged members of their parish community.
– Have a collaborative spirit and a willingness to work toward the good of the entire
parish family.
– Bring diverse perspectives and skills to the table, reflecting the richness of our
communities.
Selection Process
To ensure that the PFAC is representative and effective, I am inviting parishioners to
nominate individuals whom they believe would be strong contributors. You may also self-nominate if you feel called to serve in this capacity. Nominees will be prayerfully
considered based on their ability to represent their parish and contribute to the shared
mission of our family.
Nominations can be submitted online here.
The deadline for submissions is January 30th. Once nominations are reviewed, members
will be selected, and the Council will begin its work beginning in March.
How the PFAC Will Operate
The PFAC will meet regularly, beginning with an initial orientation and planning session.
Meetings will include time for prayer, discussion of key topics, and planning for the future of
our parish family. Agendas and meeting summaries will be shared with the broader parish
community to ensure transparency and keep everyone informed.
Your Role as Parishioners
Your prayers and support are essential as we form the PFAC and embark on this new
chapter together. I encourage you to share your thoughts, concerns, and hopes with the
PFAC members once they are established. Your voices will help shape the future of our
parish family.
Let us entrust this process to the care of the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all things.
Together, as one family of faith, we will continue to grow in love, unity, and service to the
mission of Jesus Christ entrusted to us.
Thank you for your faithfulness and commitment to our parish family. May God bless each
of you abundantly.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Freitag
Pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Anne