On March 22nd we, the Clustering Committee, met to reach a decision about the Mass schedule. We discussed the input received from parishioners through the Mass survey, paid attention to Mass attendance over the previous five years, considered the experience of other clustered parishes, and spent time in our own discussions sharing insights into each parish’s personality and traditions. We then agreed on the following weekend Mass schedule and now ask you to endorse our decision. Mass times would be:
· This schedule involves a minimal (15 minute) time change for the two Sunday morning Masses with the highest attendance.
· As the times are not too different from the current schedule, it is less disruptive to parishioners in their current Mass attendance patterns.
· It is most equitable since both parishes have to adjust their times and by the same amount of time.
· Time with the priest can occur prior to Mass (e.g., chatting, anointing) and afterward. There is a strong likelihood that the Pastor will be assisted by a retired priest, allowing this to happen.
· Fellowship time for parishioners will continue; we can work to enhance/expand it. Clustering provides an opportunity for people to expand their social circles to include the other parish community.
· There will be one Pastor, two parishes, four weekend Mass time options.
The Clustering Committee acknowledges that this change will be hard, more so for some, particularly Mass-goers at St. Catherine’s 8:15 am Mass and Transfiguration’s 11/11:30 am Mass. Grief is normal, especially when it involves what we deeply love--our Eucharist and our parish community. We are committed to working through any problems that arise to find solutions. Please continue to seek out any Clustering Committee members for additional conversation or questions. We look forward to receiving your endorsement of our decision.
Fr. Mike Bausch (Pastor) - michael.bausch@dor.org
Rich DiMarco (Parish Pastoral Council) - rich.dimarco@admarsupply.com
Sue Gangemi (Parish Pastoral Council) - sc_gan@msn.com
Mike Goonan (Parish Pastoral Council Chair) - Michael_Goonan@URMC.Rochester.edu
Ann Smith (Parish Pastoral Council) - annsmithfishers@gmail.com
Mary Beth Sullivan (Parish Pastoral Council) – msulli6@rochester.rr.com
Fr. Rob Bourcy (Pastor) – fr.rob.bourcy@dor.org
Denton Clark (Parish Pastoral Council) - dclark@netacc.net
Pam McInerney (Parish Staff) - pamela.mcinerney@dor.org
Jennifer Yates (Parish Pastoral Council Chair) - jennifer_l_yates@hotmail.com
Karen Zielinski (Parish Pastoral Council) - familyz4@rochester.rr.com